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THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 


PRESENTED  BY 

PROF.  CHARLES  A.  KOFOID  AND 
MRS.  PRUDENCE  W.  KOFOID 


;I;KE 


LIFE 

Off 

GEOUGE    WASHINGTON^ 

COMMANDER  IN  CHIEF 


ARMIES  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF    AMERICA,  THROUGHOUT 
THE  WAR  WHICH    ESTABLISHED    THEIR 

*  INDEPENDENCE  $ 


FIRST  PRESIDENT  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


BY  DAVID  RAMSAY,  M.D. 

Author  of  the  History  of  the  American  Ilevo^ion, 


SECOND  EDITION. 


BOSTON. 


PUBLISHED  BY  D.  MALLORY  AND  co. 

'J  by  •    TTI,  and  B.  B,  Hopkins  and  <Jo.  W.  \V.  Woodwanl,  and  A.  1'jnjcy  and  Co.  P!ulade« 
i^hia  ;       H.  Nicklin,  Baitiniuve  ;%W.  Furrard  and  Greor.t,  Albany  ;  •  Beers  ?«.<!  Ho\vei 
nna  i.  Couk  and  Co.  New  Haven  j  O  D.  Cook,  HartforQ  ;  A.  Lyuian  and  Co, 
;  S».vift  and  Chapiuau,  Middle!>ury;  Ve 


DISTRICT  OF  MASSACHUSETTS,  TO  WIT  ; 

District  Clerk's  Qff.ce. 

BE  it  remembered,  that  on  the  thirtieth  day  of  May,  A    n.  1811, 
and  ift  the  thirty  fifth  year  of  the  Independence  of  the  United 
States  of  America,  1).  Mallory  and  Co.  of  the  said  district,  have  de- 
posited in  this  office  the  title  of  a  book,  the  right  *  hereof  they  claim 
as  proprietors  in  the  words  following,  to  wit; 

"  The  Life  of  George  Washington,  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Armies 
'•  of  the  Uisited  States  of  America,  throughout  •e  war  which  estab- 
fl  lished  their  Independence,  and  first  President  of  the  United  States, 
"  Uv  David  Ilamsay,  M.D.  author  of  the  History  of  the  American 
ft  Revolution.  Second  edition." 

In  conformity  to  the  act  of  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  entitled, 

**  An  act  for  the  encouragement  of  learning,  by  securing  the   copies  of 

rn?ps,    ihaits,  and  looks,  to  tl:e  authors  sj»nd  proprietors  of  such  copies, 

timing  tl;e  times  therein  mentioned  ;"  and  also  to  an  act,  entitled,  "  An 

net  supplementary  to  an  act,  entitled,  An  act  for  the  encouragement  of 

learning,  by  securing  the  copies  of  maps,  charts,  and  books,  to  the  au- 

,'aors  aitd  proprietors  of  such  copies,  dnring  the  times  therein  mention- 

.  ,.:  '\\tending  the  benefits  thereof  lo  the  arts  of  designing,  engrav* 

liiiig  historical  and  other  prints." 

WM,  ?.  FIIAW,  CVrA-  ?f  ike  District  of  Massachusetts 


«JFHE  YOUTH 

OF  T^E  XIN1TED  STATES,  IX  TH£  HOlPE  THAT.  FROM  TOR'. 

EXAMPLE 
OF  THEIR  COMMON  FATHER.; 


THEY  WILL  LEARN  TO  DO  AN"D 
WHATEVER 

THEIR  COUNTRY'S  GOOB 

REQUIRE  AT  THEIR  HANDS,  THE  FOLLOWING  LtFE 

GEORGE    WASHINGTON^ 

IS  MOST  AFFECTIONATELY 
INSCRIBED, 

UY  THE 

AUTHOR- 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Of  George  Washington's  birth,  family,  and  education,  Of  his  mission 
to  the  French  commandant  on  the  Ohio,  in  1753.  His  military  oper- 
ations as  an  officer  of  Virginia,  from  1754  to  1758,  and  his  subse- 
quent employments  to  the  commencement  of  the  American  revolu- 
tion, -  -  -  - Page  l 

CHAPTER  II. 

Retrospect  of  the  origin  of  the  American  revolutionary  war.  Of  George 
Washington  as  member  of  Congress,  in  1774  and  1775  As  Corn- 
manner  in  Chief  of  the  armies  of  the  United  Colonies  in  1775  and 
1776,  and  his  operations  near  Boston,  in  these  y  ears,  -  -  -  p.  21 

CHAPTER   III. 

CAMPAIGN    OF    1776. 

Df  the  operations  of  General  Was  hingtoh  in  New  York  and  New  Jer- 
sey. The  battle  on  Long  Island.  The  retreat  from  York  Island  and 
through  Jersey.  The  battles  of  Trenton  and  Princeton,  -  -  p.  35 

CHAPTER  IV. 

CAMPAIGN    OF  1777. 

<3f  the  operations  of  General  Washington  in  New  Jersey  and  Pennsyl- 
vania, in  the  campaign  of  1777.  The  battles  of  Brandy  wine  and  Ger- 
mantown.  Washington  is  advised  by  the  Rev.  Jacob  Duche,  to  give 
up  the  contest.  The  distresses  of  the  American  army.  Its  winter 
quarters  in  Valley  Forge.  Gen.  Washington  is  assailed  by  the  clam- 
ours of  discontented  individuals  and  public  bodies,  and  by  the  designs 
of  a  faction  to  supersede  him  in  his  office  as  Commander  in  Chief,  p.  61 

CHAPTER  V. 

CAMPAIGN  OF  1778. 

General  Washington  prepares  for  the  campaign  of  1778.  Surprises  the 
British,  and  defeats  them  at  Monmouth.  Arrests  ^General  Lee- 


VI  CONTENTS. 

Calms  the  irritation  excited  by  the  departure  of  the  French  fleet 
from  Rhode  Island  to  Boston.  Dissuades  from  an  invasion  of  Can- 
ada, -------- ,  „  p.  #> 

CHAPTER  VI. 

CAMPAIGN   OF  1779. 

The  distresses  of  the  American  army.  Gen.  Washington  calms  the  Un- 
easiness in  the  Jersey  line.  Finds  great  difficulty  in  supporting  his 
troops  and  concentrating  their  force.  Makes  a  disposition  of  them 
with  a  view  to  the  security  of  West  Point  Directs  an  expedition 
against  the  Six  Nations  of  Indians,  and  for  the  reduction  of  Stony 
Point  Paules  Hook  taken.  A  French  fleet,  expected  to  the  north- 
ward, arrives  on  the  coast  of  Georgia;  Washington,  unequal  to  of- 
fensive operations,  retires  5n*o  winter  quarters,  -  -  -  -  r  p.  103 

CHAPTER  VII. 

CAMPAIGN  OF  1780. 

<5en.  Washington  directs  an  expedition  against  Staten  Island.  Gives  at\ 
opinion  against  risking  an  army  for  tlrtJ  defence  of  Charleston,  S  C. 
Finds  great  difficulty  in  supporting  his  army.  Kniphausen  invades 
Jersey,  but  is  prevented  from  injuring  the  American  stores.  Mar- 
quis de  la  Fayette  arrives,  and  gives  assurances  that  a  French  fleet 
and  army  might  soon  be  expected  on  the  American  coast.  Energet- 
ic measures  of  co-operation  resolved  upon,  but  so  languidly  executed, 
that  Washington  predicts  the  necessity  of  a  more  efficient  system  of 
national  government  A  French  fleet  and  army  arrives,  and  a  com- 
bined operation  against  New  York  is  resolved  upon,  but  the  arrival  of 
&  superior  British  fleet  deranges  the  whole  plan, p.  118 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

CAMPAIGN    OF    1781. 

The  Pennsylvania  line  mutinies.  The  Jersey  troops  follow  their  exam- 
ple, but  are  quelled  by  decisive  measures.  Gen.  Washington  com- 
mences a  military  journal,  detailing  the  wants  and  distresses  of  Tiis 
army:  Is  invited  to  the  defence  of  his  native  state,  Virginia,  but  de- 
clines. Reprimands  the  manager  of  bis  private  estate  for  furnishing 
the  enemy  with  supplies,  to  prevent  the  destruction  of  his  property/ 
-Extinguishes  the  incipient  flames  of  a  civil  war,  respecting  the  inde* 
pendence  of  the  state  of  Vermont.  Plans  a  combined  operation 


against  the  British,  and  deputes  Lieut,  Col  John  Laurens  to  solicit 
the  co-operation  of  the  French.  The  combined  forces  of  both  nations 
rendezvous  in  the  Chesapeak,  and  take  lord  Cornwallis  and  his  army 
prisoners  of  war.  Washington  returns  to  the  \icinity  of  Ne\r  York, 
and  urges  the  necessity  of  preparing  for  a  new  campaign,  -  -  p.  134 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1782  and  1783. 

Prospects  of  peace.  Languor  of  the  states  Discontents  of  the  army. 
Gen.  Washington  prevents  the  adoption  of  rash  measures.  Some  new 
levies  in  Pennsylvania  mutiny,  and  are  quelled.  Washington  recom- 
mends measures  for  the  preservation  of  independence,  peace,  liberty, 
and  happiness.  Dismisses  his  army.  Enters  New  York-  Takes 
leave  of  his  officers.  Settles  his  accounts.  Repairs  to  Annapolis. 
Resigns  his  commission.  Retires  to  Mount  Vernon,  and  resumes  his 
agricultural  pursuits,  -.-.---•---•-•-  p  159 

CHAPTER  X. 

General  Washington,  on  retiring  from  public  life,  devotes  himself  to- 
agricultural  pursuits.  Favours  inland  navigation.  Declines  offered 
emoluments  from  it.  Urges  an  alteration  of  the  fundamental  rules- 
of  the  society  of  the  Cincinnati.  Regrets  the  de  ects  of  the  federal 
system,  and  recommends  a  revisal  of  it  Is  appointed  a  member  of 
the  continental  convention  for  that  purpose,  which,  after  hesitation, 
he  accepts.  Is  chosen  president  thereof,  Is  solicited  to  accept  the 
presidency  of  the  United  States.  Writes  'sundry  letters  expressive  of 
the  conflict  in  his  mind,  between  duty  and  inclination.  Answers  ap- 
plicants for  offices.  '  His  reluctance  to  enter  on  public  life,  -  p.  206 

CHAPTER   XI.  > 

Washington  elected  president.  On  his  way  to  the  seat  of  government 
at  New  York,  receives  the  most  flattering  marks  of  respect.  Ad- 
dresses Congress.  The  situation  of  the  United  States  in  theii-  foreign 
and  domestic  relations,  at  the  inauguration  of  Washington.  Fills  up 
public  offices  solely  with  a  view  to  the  public  good.  Proposes  a  treaty 
to  the  Creek  Indians,  which  is  at  first  rejected.  Col.  Willet  induces 
the  heads  of  the  nation  to  come  to  New  York,  to  treat  there.  The 
North  Western  Indians  refuse  a  treaty,  but  after  defeating  Generals 
Harmar  and  Sinclair,  they  are  defeated  by  Gen.  Wayne.  T.bev  then 


viil  C&NTENTS. 

submit,  and*  agree  to  treat    A  new  system  i*s  introduced  for  meliorat- 
ing their  condition,     -     -      -.--..      _.-_._     p   331 

CHAPTER  XII. 

General  Washing-ton  attends  to  the  foreign  relations  of  the  United 
States  Negotiates  with  Spain.  Difficulties  in  the  way.  The  free 
navigation  of  the  Missisippi  is  granted  by  a  treaty  made  with  V«ajor 
J?inokney.  Negotiations  with  Britain.  Difficulties  in  the  way.  \Var 
probable.  Mr  .lay's  mission  His  treaty  with  ' ircat  Britain.  Op- 
position thereto  Is  ratified  Washington  refuses  papers  to  House 
of  Representatives  British  posts  in  the  United  States  evacuated. 
Negotiations  with  France-  Genet's  arrival.  Assumes  illegal  powers, 
in  violation  of  the  neutrality  of  the  United  States.  Is  flattered  by  the 
people,  but  opposed  by  the  executive.  Is  recalled.  General  Pinck- 
ney  sent  as  public  minister  to  adjust  disputes  with  France.  Is  not  re- 
ceived. Washington  declines  a  re-election,  and  addresses  the  people- 
Ilis  last  address  to  the  national  legislature.  Recommends  a  navy,  a 
military  academy,  and  other  public  institutions, p.  254 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

Washington  rejoices  at  the  prospect  of  retiring.  -  Writes  to  the  Secre- 
tary of  State,  denying  the  authenticity  of  letters  said  to  be  from  him 
to  J.  P.  Custis  and  Lund  Washington,  in  1776.  Pays  respect  to  his 
successor,  Mr.  John  Adams.  Review  of  Washington's  administration. 
He  retires  to  Mount  Vernon.  Resumes  agricultural  pursuits.  Hears 
with  regret  the  aggression  of  the  French  republic.  Corresponds  on 
the  subject  of  his  taking  the  command  of  an  army  to  oppose  the 
French.  Is  appointed  Lieutenant  General.  His  commission  is  sent 
to  him  by  the  Secretary  of  War.  His  letter  to  president  Adams  on. 
the  receipt  thereof.  Directs  the  organization  of  the  proposed  army. 
Three  Envoys  Extraordinary  sent  to  France,  \vho  adjust  all  dispute 
with  Bonaparte,  after  the  overthrow  of  the  Directory.  Gen.  Wt 
ington  dies.  Is  honoured  by  Congress,  and  bv  t?;e  citizens.  Hischa 
acter, - 


THE 

LIFE 

OF 

&EORGE    WASHINGTON. 

CHAPTER  I. 

Of  George  Washington's  birth,  family,  and  education..... Ofhis  mission 
to  the  French  commandant  on  the  Ohio  in  1753 His  military  opera- 
tions as  an  officer  of  Virginia,  from  1754  to  1758,  and  his  subsequent 
employments  to  the  commencement  cf  the  American  Revolution. 

TUB  ancestors  of  GEOUGK  W \SIIINGTOX  were 
among  the  first  settlers  of  the  oldest  British  colo- 
ny in  America.  He  was  the  third  in  descent  from 
John  Washington,  an  English  gentleman,  who, 
about  the  middle  of  the  i 7th.- century,  emigrated 
from  the  north  of  England,  and  settled  in  West- 
moreland county,  Virginia.  In  the  place  where 
he  had  fixed  himself,  his  great  grandson,  the  sub- 
ject of  the  following  history,  was  bora  on  the  22d. 
of  February,  1732.  His  immediate  ancestor  was 
Augustine  Washington,  who  died  when  his  sou 
George  was  only  ten  years  old.  The  education 
of  the  young  orphan,  of  course,  devolved  on  his 
mother  who  added  one  to  the  many  ex  urn  pies  of 
virtuous  matrons,  who,  devoting  themscivtii  to  ihe 
2 


X  THE  LIFE  OF 

care  of  their  children,  have  trained  them  up  to  be 
distinguished  citizens.  In  one  instance  her  fears, 
Combining  with  her  affection,  prevented  a  meas- 
ure, which,  if  persevered  in,  would  have  given  a 
direction  to  the  talents  and  views  of  her  son,  very 
different  from  that  which  laid  the  foundation  of  his 
fame.  George  Washington,  when  only  fifteen 
years  old,  solicited  and  obtained  the  place  of  a 
midshipman  in  the  British  navy;  but  his  ardent 
zeal  to  serve  his  country,  then  at  war  with  France 
and  Spain,  was,  on  the  interference  of  his  mother, 
for  the  present  suspended,  and  for  ever  diverted 
from  the  sea  service.  She  lived  to  see  him  ac- 
quire higher  honours  than  he  ever  could  have  ob- 
tained as  a  naval  gfiicer ;  nor  did  she  depart  this 
life  till  he  was  elevated  to  the  first  offices,  both  civ- 
il and  military,  in  the  gift  of  his  country.  She 
was,  nevertheless,  from  the  influence  of  long  es- 
tablished habits,  so  far  from  being  partial  to  the 
American  revolution,  that  she  often  regretted  the 
side  her  son  had  taken  in  the  controversy  between 
her  king  and  her  country. 

In  the  minority  of  George  Washington,  the 
means  of  education  in  America  were  scanty  ;  his 
\v ;:s  therefore  very  little  extended  beyond  what  is 
common,  except  in  mathematics.  Knowledge  of 
this  kind  contributes  more  perhaps  than  any  other 
to  strengthen  the  mind.  In  his  case  it  was  doubly 
useful ;  for,  in 'the  early  part  of  his  life,  it  laid  the 
foiuitiruion  of  his  fortune,  by  qualifying  him  for 
the  office  of  a  practical  surveyor,  at  a  time  wiicn 
good  land  was- .of  easy  attainment ;  and  its  inti-. 
mate  connection  with  the  military  art,  enaleidhim 
at  a  later  period  to  judge  more  correctly  of  the 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON-.  •> 

proper  means  of  defending  his  country,  when  he 
was  called  upon  to  preside  over  its  armies. 

Of  the  first  nineteen  years  of  George  Washing, 
ton's  life,  little  is  known.  His  talents  being  more 
solid  than  showy,  were  not  sufficiently  developed 
for  public  notice,  by  the  comparatively  unimpor- 
tant events  of  that  early  period.  His  cotempora- 
ries  have  generally  reported,  that  in  his  youth  he 
was  grave,  silent,  and  thoughtful  ;  diligent  and 
methodical  in  business,  dignified  in  his  appearance, 
and  strictly  honourable  in  all  his  deportment;  but. 
they  have  not  been  able  to  gratify  the  public  curi- 
osity with  any  striking  anecdotes.  His  patrimo- 
nial estate  was  small,  but  that  little  was  managed 
with  prudence  and  increased  by  industry.  In  the 
gayest  period  of  his  life,  he  was  a  stranger  to  dis- 
sipation and  riot.  That  he  had  established  a  solid 
reputation,  even  in  his  juvenile  years,  may  be  fair- 
ly  presumed  from  the  following  circumstances. 
At  the  age  of  nineteen  he  was  appointed  one  of 
the  adjutants  general  of  Virginia,  with  the  rank  of 
major.  When  he  was  barely  twenty  one,  he  was 
employed  by  the  government  of  his  native  colony, 
in  an  enterprise  which  required  the  prudence  of 
age  as  well  as  the  vigour  of  youth. 

The  French,  as  the  first  European  discoverers 
of.  the  river  Mississippi,  claimed  all  that  immense 
region  whose  waters  run  into  that  river.  In  pur- 
suance of  this  claim,  in  the  year  1753 /they  took 
possession  of  a  tract  of  country  supposed  to  be 
wi'.hin  the  chartered  limits  of  Virginia,  and  were 
proceeding  to  erect  a  chain  of  posts  from  the  lakes 
oi  Canada  to  the  river  Ohio,  in  subserviency  ta 


4  THE  LIFE  OF 

their  grand  scheme  of  connecting  Canada  with 
Louisiana,  and  limiting  the  English  colonies  to 
the  east  of  the  Alleghany  mountains.  Mr.  Din- 
widdie,  then  governor  of  Virginia,  despatched 
Washington  with  a  letter  to  the  French  command- 
ant on  the  Ohio,  remonstrating  against  the  prose- 
cution of  these  designs,  as  hostile  to  the  rights  of 
his  Britannic  majesty.  The  young  envoy  was  al- 
so instructed  to  penetrate  the  designs  of  the  French ; 
to  conciliate  the  affection  of  the  native  tribes  ;  and 
to  procure  useful  intelligence.  In  the  discharge 
of  this  trust,  he  set  out  on  the  15th.  of  Novem- 
ber, from  Will's  Creek,  tlien  an  extreme  frontier 
settlement,  and  pursued  his  course  through  a  vast 
extent  of  unexplored  wilderness,  amidst  rains  and 
snows,  and  over  rivers  of  very  difficult  passage, 
and  among  tribes  of  Indians,  several  of  whom,  from 
previous  attentions  of  the  French,  were  hostile  to 
the  English.  When  his  horses  were  incompetent, 
he  proceeded  on  foot  with  a  gun  in  his  hand  and 
a  pack  on  his  back.  He  observed  every  thing 
with  the  eye  of  a  soldier,  and  particularly  designat- 
ed the  forks  of  the  Monongahela  and  Alleghany 
rivers,  the  spot  where  Fort  Duquesne  was  after- 
ward built,  and  where  Pittsburgh  now  stands,  as 
an  advantageous  position  for  a  fortress.  Here  he 
secured  the  affections  of  sonic  neighbouring  Indi- 
ans, and  engaged  them  to  accompany  him.  With 
them  he  ascended  the  Alleghany  river  and  French 
Creek,  to  a  fort  on  the  river  le  Boeuf,  oi;e  of  its 
western  branches.  He  there  found  Moris.  Le 
Garden r  de  St.  Pierre,  the  commandant  on  the 
_0hio,  and  delivered  to  him  Dinwkldie's  letter ; 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  -> 

and  receiving  his  answer,  returned  with  it  to  Wil- 
liamsburg  on  the  seventy  eighth  day  after  he  had 
received  his  appointment.  The  patience  and 
firmness  displayed  on  this  occasion  by  Washing- 
ton, added  to  his  judicious  treatment  of  the  Indi- 
ans, both  merited  and  obtained  a  large  share  of  ap- 
plause. A  journal  of  the  whole  was  published, 
and  inspired  the  public  with  high  ideas  of  the  en- 
ergies both  of  his  body  and  mind. 

The  French  were  top  intent  on  their  favourite 
project  of  extending  their  empire  in  America,  to 
be  diverted  from  it  by  the  remonstrances  of  a  co- 
lonial governor.  The  answer  brought  by  VVush- 
ington  was  such  as  induced  the  assembly  of  Vir- 
ginia, to  raise  a  regiment  of  three  hundred  men, 
to  defend  their  frontiers  and  maintain  the  right 
claimed  in  behalf  of  Great  Britain  over  the  disput- 
ed territory.  Of  this  Mr.  Fry  was  appointed  col- 
onel, and  George  Washington,  lieutenant  colonel. 
The  latter  advanced  with  two  companies  of  this 
regiment  early  in  April,  as  far  as  the  Great  Mead- 
ows, where  he  was  informed  by  some  friendly  In- 
dians, that  the  French  were  erecting  fortifications 
in  the  fork  between  the  Alteghany  and  Mononga- 
hela  rivers  ;  ,and  also,  that  a  detachment  was  on 
its  march  from  that  place  toward  the  Gjeat  Mead- 
ows. War  had  not  been  yet  formally  declared  be- 
tween France  and  England,  but  as  neither  was 
disposed  to  recede  from  their  claims  to  the  lands 
on  the  Ohio,  it  was  deemed  inevitable,  and  on  the 
point  of  commencing.  Several  circumstances 
were  supposed  to  indicate  an  hostile  intention  on 
the  part  of  the  advancing  French  detachment. 
Washington,  under  the  guidance  of  some  friendlv 
2* 


*  THE- LIITO  OF 

Indians,  in  a  dark  rainy  night  surprised  their  en- 
campment, and,  after  firing  once,  rushed  in  and 
surrounded  them.  The  commanding  officer,  Mr. 
Jumonville,  was  killed,  one  person  escaped,  and  all 
the  rest  immediately  surrendered.  Soon  after  this 
affair,  Col.  Fry  died,  and  the  command  of  the  reg- 
iment devolved  on  Washington,  who  speedily  col- 
lected the  whole  at  the  Great  Meadows.  Two  in- 
dependent companies  of  regulars,  one  from  New 
York,  and  one  from  South  Carolina,  shortly  after 
arrived  at  the  same  place.  Col.  Washington  was 
now  at  the  head  of  nearly  four  hundred  men.  A 
stockade,  afterward  called  Fort  Necessity,  was 
erected  at  the  Great  Meadows,  in  which  a  small 
force  was  left,  and  the  main  body  advanced  with  a 
view  of  dislodging  the  French  from  FortDuques- 
ne,  which  they  had  recently  erected,  at  the  con- 
fluence of  the  Alleghany  and  Monongahela  rivers. 
They  had  not  proceeded  more  than  thirteen  miles, 
when  they  were  informed  by  friendly  Indians, 
"  That  the  French,  as  numerous  as  pigeons  in  the 
woods,  were  advancing  in  an  hostile  manner  to- 
ward the  English  settlements,  and  also,  that  Fort 
Duquesne  had  been  recently  and  strongly  rein- 
forced.'* In  this  critical  situation,  a  council  of  war 
unanimously  recommended  a  retreat  to  the  Great 
Meadows,  which  was  effected  without  delay,  and 
every  exertion  made  to  render  Fort  Necessity  ten- 
able. Before  the  works  intended  for  that  purpose 
were  completed,  Mons.  de  Viiiier,  with  a,  consid- 
erable force,  attacked  the  fort.  The  assailants 
were  covered  by  trees  and  high  grass.  The  Amer- 
icans received  them  with  great  resolution,  and  fought 
some  within  the  stockade,  and  others  in  the  siuv 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  f* 

rounding  ditch.  Washington  continued  the  whole 
day  on  the  outside  of  the  fort,  and  conducted  the 
defence  with  the  greatest  coolness  and  intrepidity. 
The  engagement  lasted  from  ten  in  the  morning 
till  night,  when  the  French  commander  demand- 
ed a  parley,  and  offered  terms  of  capitulation. 
His  first  and  second  proposals  were  rejected ;  and 
Washington  would  accept  of  none  short  of  the 
following  honourable  ones,  which  were  mutually 
agreed  upon  in  the  course  of  the  night.  "  The 
fort  to  be  surrendered  on  condition  that  the  gar- 
rison should  march  out  with  the  honours  of  war, 
and  be  permitted  to  retain  their  arms  and  bag- 
gage, and  to  murch  unmolested  into  the  inhabit- 
ed parts  of  Virginia."  The  legislature  of  Vir- 
ginia, impressed  with  a  high  sense  of  the  bravery 
and  good  conduct  of-  their  troops,  though  com- 
pelled to  surrender  the  fort,  voted  their  thanks  to 
Col.  Washington  and  the  officers  under  his  com- 
mand, and  they  also  gave  three  hundred  pistoles 
to  be  distributed  among  the  soldiers  engaged  in 
this  action,  but  made  no  arrangements  for  renew- 
ing offensive  operations  in  the  remainder  of  the 
year  1754.  When  the  season  for  action  was  over, 
the  regiment  was  reduced  to  independent  compa-' 
nits,  and  Washington  resigned  his  command. 

The  controversy  about  the  Ohio  lands,  which 
began  in  Virginia,  was  taken  up  very  seriously 
by  Great  Britain,  and  two  British  regiments  were 
sent  to  America  to  support  the  claims  of  his  Bri- 
tannic majesty.  They  arrived  early  in  1755,  and 
were  commanded  by  Gen.  Braddock.  That 
officer,  being  informed  of  the  talents  of  George 
{Washington,  invited  him  to  serve  the  campaign  as 


8  Tllfc  LIFE  OF 

a  volunteer  aid  de  camp.  The  invitation  \vas 
cheerfully  accepted,  and  Washington  joined  Gen. 
Braddock  near  Alexandria,  and  proceeded  with 
him  to  Will's  Creek,  afterward  called  Fort  Cum- 
berland. Here  the  army  was  detained  till  the 
12th.  of  June,  waiting  for  waggons,  horses,  and 
provisions.  Washington  had  early  recommended 
the  use  of  pack  horses,  instead  of  waggons,  for 
conveying  the  baggage  of  the  army.  The  pro- 
priety of  this  advice  soon  became  apparent,  and  a 
considerable  change  was  made  in  conformity  to  it. 
The  army  had  not  advanced  much  more  than  ten 
miles  trom  Fort  Cumberland,  when  Washington 
was  seized  with  a  violent  fever,  but  nevertheless 
continued  with  the  army,  being  conveyed  in  a 
covered  waggon,  after  he  had  refused  to  stay  be- 
hind, though  so  much  exhausted  as  to  be  unable 
to  ride  on  horseback.  He  advised  the  general  to 
leave  his  heavy  artillery  and  baggage  behind,  and 
to  advance  rapidly  to  Fort  Duquesne,  with  a  select 
body  of  troops,  a  few  necessary  stores,  and  some 
pieces  of  light  artillery.  Hopes  were  indulged 
that  by  this  expeditious  movement,  Fort  Duques- 
ne might  be  reached  in  its  present  weak  state, 
with  a  force  sufficient  to  reduce  it,  before  expect- 
ed reinforcements  should  anive.  General  Brad- 
dock  approved  the  scheme,  and  submitted  it  to  the 
consideration  of  a  council  held  at  the  Little  Mead- 
ows, which  recommended  that  the  commander 
in  chief  should  advance  as  rapidly  as  possible  with 
twelve  hundred  select  men,  and  that  Col.  Dunbai 
should  remain  behind  with  the  remainder  of  th< 
troops  and  the  heavy  b:«gi.n>ge.  Tins  advance* 
corps  commenced  its  march  with  only  thirty  car- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

riages,  but  did  not  proceed  with  the  rapidity  that 
was  expected.  They  frequently  halted  to  level 
the  road,  and  to  build  bridges  over  inconsid- 
erable brooks.  They  consumed  four  days  in 
passing  over  the  first  nineteen  miles  from  the  Lit- 
tle Meadows,  At  this  place,  the  ph)  siciuns  declar- 
ed that  Col.  Washington's  life  would  be  endan- 
gered by  advancing  with  the  army.  He  was  there- 
fore ordered  by  Gen.  Braddock  to  stay  behind 
with  a  small  guard  till  D unbar  should  arrive  with 
the  rear  of  the  army.  As  soon  as  his  strength 
would  permit,  lie  joined  the  advanced  detachment, 
and  immediately  entered  on  the  duties  of  his 
office.  On  the  next  day,  July  9th.  a  dreadful 
scene  took  place.  When  Braddock  had  crossed 
the  Monongahela,  and  was  only  a  few  miles  from 
Fort  Duquesne,  and  was  pressing  forward  without 
any  apprehension  of  danger,  he  was  attacked  in 
an  open  road,  thick  set  with  grass.  An  invisible 
enemy,  consisting  of  French  and  Indians,  com- 
menced a  heavy  and  well  directed  fire  on  his  tin- 
covered  troops.  The  van  fell  back  on  the  main 
body,  and  the  whole  was  thrown  into  disorder. 
Marksmen  levelled  their  pieces  particularly  at  offi- 
cers, and  others  on  horseback.  In  a  short  time, 
Washington  was  the  only  aid  de  camp  left  alive 
and  not  wounded.  On  him,  therefore,  devolved 
the  whole  duty  of  carrying  the  general's  orders. 
He  was  of  course  obliged  to  be  constantly  in  mo- 
tion, traversing  the  field  of  battle  on  horseback  in 
all  directions.  He  had  two  horses  shot  under 
him,  and  four  bullets  passed  through  his  coat,  but 
he  escaped  unhurt,  though  every  other  officer  on 
horseback  was' either  killed  or  wounded.  Provr- 


10  THE  LIFE  OF 

dence  preserved  him  for  further  and  greater  ser- 
vices. Throughout  the  whole  of  the  carnage  and 
confusion  of  this  fatal  day,  Washington  displayed 
the  greatest  coolness  and  the  most  perfect  self 
possession.  Braddock  was  undismayed  amidst  a 
shower  of  bullets,  and  by  his  countenance  and  ex- 
ample,  encouraged  his  men  to  stand  their  ground  ; 
but  valour  was  useless,  and  discipline  only  offered 
surer  marks  to  the  destructive  aim  of  unseen 
marksmen.  Unacquainted  with  the  Indian  mode 
of  fighting,  Braddock  neither  advanced  upon  nor 
retreated  from  the  assailants,  but  very  injudiciously 
endeavoured  to  form  his  broken  troops  on  the 
ground  where  they  were  first  attacked,  and  where 
they  were  exposed  uncovered  to  the  incessant  gall- 
ing fire  of  a  sheltered  enemy.  He  had  been  cau- 
tioned of  the  danger  to  which  he  was  exposed, 
and  was  advised  to  advance  the  provincials  in  front 
of  his  troops,  to  scour  the  woods  and  detect  am- 
buscades, but  he  disregarded  the  salutary  recom- 
mendation. The  action  lasted  near  three  hours, 
in  the  course  of  which  the  general  had  three  horses 
shot  under  him,  and  finally  received  a  wound,  of 
which  he  died  in  a  few  days  in  the  camp  of  Dun- 
bar,  to  which  he  had  been  brought  by  Col.  Wash* 
ington  and  others.  On  the  fail  of  Braddock,  his 
troops  gave  way  in  all  directions,  and  could  not  be 
rallied  till  they  had  crossed  the  Monongahcla. 
The  Indians,  allured  by  plunder,  did  not  pursue 
with  vigour.  The  vanquished  regulars  soon  fell 
back  to  Dunbar's  camp,  from  which,  after  destroy- 
ing such  of  their  stores  as  could  be  spared,  they 
retired  to  Philadelphia.  The  officers  in  the*  B:  it-* 
ish  regiments  displayed  the  greatest  bravery, 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  11 

Their  whole  number  was  eighty  five,  and  sixty 
four  of  them  were  killed  or  wounded.  The  com- 
mon soldiers  were  so  disconcerted  by  the  unusual 
mode  of  attack,  that  they  soon  broke,  and  could 
not  be  rallied.  The  three  Virginia  companies 
in  the  engagement  behaved  very  differently,  and 
fought  like  men  till  there  were  scarcely  thirty  men 
left  alive  in  the  whole.  This  reverse  of  fortune 
rather  added  to,  than  took  from,  the  reputa- 
tion of  Washington.  His  countrymen  extolled 
his  conduct,  and  generally  said  and  believed,  that 
if  he  had  been  commander,  the  disasters  of  the  day 
would  have  been  avoided. 

Intelligence  of  Braddock's  defeat,  and  that  Col. 
Dunbar  had  withdrawn  all  the  regular  forces  from 
Virginia,  arrived  while  the  assembly  of  that  colo- 
ny was  in  session.  Impressed  with  the  necessity 
of  protecting  their  exjfosed  frontier  settlements, 
they  determined  to  raise  a  regiment  of  sixteen 
companies.  .The  command  of  this  was  given  to 
Washington.  So  great  was  the  public  confidence 
in  the  soundness  of  his  judgment,  that  he  was  au- 
thorized to  name  the  field  officers.  His  commis- 
sion also  designated  him  as  commander  in  chief  of 
all  the  forces  raised,  or  to  be  raised,  in  Virginia. 

In  execution  of  the  duties  of  his  new  office, 
Washington,  after  giving  the  necessary  orders  for 
the  recruiting  service,  visited  the  frontiers.  He 
found  many  posts,  but  few  soldiers.  Of  these  the 
be:.-'  disposition  was  made.  While  on  his  way  to 
Wiiliunisburg  to  arrange  a  plan  of  operations  with 
the  lieutenant  governor,  he  was  overtaken  bv  an 
express  below  Fredericksburg,  with  information 
that  the  back  settlements  were  broken  up  by  par- 


I*  THE  LIFE  0£ 

ties  of  French  and  Indians,  who  were  murdering 
and  capturing  men,  women,  arid  children,  burn- 
ing their  houses,  and  destroying  their  crops,  and 
that  the  few  troops  stationed  on  the  frontiers,  un- 
able to  protect  the  country,  had  retreated  to  small 
stockade  forts.  Washington  altered  his  course 
from  Williamsburg  to  Winchester,  and  endeav- 
oured to  collect  a  force  for  the  defence  of  the 
country.  But  this  was  impossible.  The  inhab- 
itants, instead  of  'assembling  in  arms,  and  facing 
the  invaders,  fled  before  them,  and  extended  the 
general  panic.  While  the  attention  of  individuals 
was  engrossed  by  their  families  and  private  con- 
cerns, the  general  safety  was  neglected.  The 
alarm  became  universal,  and  the  utmost  confusion 
prevailed.  Before  any  adequate  force  was  collect- 
ed to  repel  the  assailants,  .jhey  had  safely  crossed 
the  Alleghany  mountain^  after  having  dpne  an 
immensity  of  mischief.  Irruptions  of  this  kind 
were  repeatedly  made  into  the  frontier  settlements 
of  Virginia,  in  the  years  1756,  1757,  and  1758. 
These  generally  consisted  of  a  considerable  num- 
ber of  French  and  Indians,  who  were  detached 
from  Fort  Duqiresiie.  It  was  their  usual  practice 
on  their  approaching  the  settlements,  to  divide  in- 
to small  parties,  and  avoiding  the  forts,  to  attack 
solitary  families  in  the  night,  as  well  as  the  day. 
The  savages,  accustomed  to  live  in  the  woods, 
found  little  difficulty  in  concealfng  themselves  till 
tlicir  fatal  blow  was  struck.  Sundry  unimportant 
skirmishes  took  place,  with  various  results,  but 
the  number  k.ikd  on  both  sides  was  inconsidera- 
ble, when  Co.-  pared  with  the  mischief  done,  and 
the  many  who  were  put  to  death,  otherwise  than 


KCORGE  WASHINGTON.  13 

in  battle.  The  invaders  could  seldom  be  brought 
to  a  regular  engagement.  Honourable  war  was 
not  in  their  contemplation.  Plunder,  devastation, 
and  murder,  were  their  objects.  The  assemblage 
of  a  respectable  force  to  oppose  them,  was  their 
signal  for  retreating.  Irruptions  of  this  kind  were 
so  frequent  for  three  years  following  Braddock's 
defeat,  that  in  Pennsylvania,  the  frontier  settlers 
were  driven  back  as  far  as  Carlisle,  and  in  Mary- 
land, to  Fredericktown,  and  in  Virginia,  to  the 
Blue  Ridge. 

The  distresses  of  the  inhabitants  Hkeeded  all 
description.  If  they  went  into  stockade  forts,  they 
suffered  from  the  want  of  provisions  ;  were  often 
surrounded,  and  sometimes  cut  off.  By  fleeing, 
they  abandoned  the  conveniences  of  home,  and 
the  means  of  suppor^  If  they  continued  on  their 
farms,  they  lay  downBrery  night  under  apprehen- 
sions of  being  murdHed  before  morning.  But 
this  was  not  the  worst.  Captivity  and  torture 
were  frequently  their  portion.  To  all  these  evils, 
women,  aged  persons,  and  children,  were  equally 
liable  with  men  in  arms  ;  for  savages  makenodis^ 
tinction.  Extermination  is  their  object.  To 
Washington  the  inhabitants  looked  for  that  pro- 
tection he  had  not  the  means  of  giving.  In  a  let- 
ter to  the  governor,  he  observe.:!,  "  the  supplicat- 
ing tears  of  the  women,  and  moving  petitions  of 
the  men,  melt  me  with  such  deadly  sorrow,  that 
I  solemnly  declare,  if  I  know  my  own  mind,  I 
could  offer  myself  a  willing  sacrifice  to  the  butch- 
ering enemy,  provided  that  would  contribute  to 
the  people's  ease."  Virginia  presented  a  frontier 
of  three  hundred  and  sixty  miles,  exposed  lo  these 
3 


THE  LIFE  OP 

incursions.  Hard  was  the  lot  of  Washington,  to 
whom  was  intrusted  the  defence  of  these  extensive 
settlements  without  means  adequate  to  the  pur- 
pose. The  regiment  voted  by  the  assembly  was 
never  filled.  Its  actual  number  was  oftener  be- 
low  than  above  seven  hundred  men.  The  militia 
afforded  a  very  feeble  aid,  on  which  little  reliance 
could  be  placed.  They  were  slow  in  collecting, 
and  when  collected,  soon  began  to  hanker  after 
home ;  and  while  in  camp,  could  not  submit  to 
that  discipbae,  without  which  an  army  is  a  mob. 
The  militi!riaws  were  very  defective.  Cowardice 
in  time  of  action,  and  sleeping  while  on  duty, 
though  crimes  of  the  most  destructive  nature,  were 
very  inadequately  punished  by  the  civil  code  un- 
der which  they  took  the  field.  Desertion  and  mu- 
tiny, for  some  considerabkr  time,  subjected  the 
offenders  to  nothing  morflchan  slight  penalties. 
Washington  was  incessant  m  his  representations  to 
the  governor  and  to  the  assembly,  that  no  reliance 
could  be  placed  on  the  militia,  under  existing  reg- 
ulations, and  that  the  inconsiderable  number,  in- 
listed  for  regular  service,  together  with  the  plans 
proposed  for  the  security  of  the  frontiers,  were  al- 
together inadequate.  He  not  only  pointed  out  the 
defect  of  the  systems  which  had  been  adopted, 
but  submitted  to  the  consideration  of  those  in  pow- 
er, such  measures  as  he  thought  best,  and  partic- 
ularly recommended,  in  case  offensive  operations 
were  not  adopted,  that  twenty  two  forts,  extending 
in  a  line  of  three  hundred  and  sixty  miles,  should 
be  immediately  erected  and  garrisoned  by  two 
thousand  men,  in  constant  pay  and  service ;  but 
on  all  occasions  gave  a  decided  preference  to  the 


0EORGE  WASHINGTON.  15 

reduction  of  Fort  Duquesne,  as  the  only  radical 
remedy  for  the  evils  to  which  the  frontier  settle^ 
ments  were  exposed.  Propositions  to  this  effect 
were  made  and  urged  by  him  in  1756  and  1757, 
both  to  the  government  of  Virginia,  and  the  com- 
manders  in  chief  of  the  British  forces  in  America ; 
but  a  shortsighted  policy  in  the  first,  and  a  prefer- 
ence given  by  the  last  to  a  vigorous  prosecution 
of  the  war  in  the  northern  colonies,  prevented  their 
acceptance.  To  his  inexpressible  joy,  the  project 
obtained,  in  the  year  1758,  the  complete  approba- 
tion of  Gen.  Forbes,  who  was  chaJJfed  with  the 
defence  of  the  middle  and  southern  colonies.  This 
being  resolved  upon,  the  movements  of  the  army 
were  directed  to  that  point.  Part  of  the  force  des- 
tined for  this  expedition  was  at  Philadelphia  ;  part 
at  Ray's  Town;  andjpart  dispersed  on  the  fron- 
tiers of  Virginia.  Jm  bring  all  together,  was  a 
work  of  time  and  difficulty.  Washington  urged 
the  necessity  of  an  early  campaign  ;  but  such  de- 
lays took  place  that  he  did  not  receive  orders  to 
assemble  his  regiment  at  Winchester,  till  the  24th. 
of  May  ;  nor  to  proceed  from  thence  to  Fort  Cum- 
berland, till  the  24th.  of  June  ;  nor  to  proceed  to 
Ray's  Town,  till  the  21st.  September.  The  main 
body  did  not  commence  their  march  from  Ray's 
Town,  till  the  2d.  of  October,  and  it  was  as  late 
as  the  25th.  of  November  when  they  reached  Fort 
Duquesne.  These  delays  were  extremely  morti- 
fying to  Washington,  and  threatened  to  render  the 
campaign  abortive.  He  urged  the  necessity  of  ex- 
pedition, and  most  pointedly  remonstrated  against 
one  of  the  principal  causes  of  delay.  This  was  a 
resolution  adopted  by  his  superiors,  for  opening  a 


16  THE  LIFE  OF 

new  road  for  the  army,  in  preference  to  that  which 
was  generally  known  by  the  name  of  Gen.  Bicsd- 
dock's.  Being  overruled,  he  quietly  submitted. 
Instead  of  embarrassing  measures  he  thought  in- 
judicious, the  whole  energies  of  himself  and  his 
regiment  were  exerted  to  make  the  most  of  those 
which  his  commanding  officer  preferred  The 
progress  of  the  army  was  so  slow,  that  it  did  not 
reach  Loyal  Hannah  till  the  5th.  of  November. 
Here  it  was  'determined  in  a  council  of  war,  "  to 
be  un advisable  to  proceed  any  further  that  cam- 
paign." H^this  resolution  had  been  adhered  to, 
the  only  alternative  would  have  been  to  winter  an 
army  of  eight  thousand  men  in  a  cold  inhospitable 
wilderness,  remote  from  all  friendly  settlements,  or 
to  tread  back  their  steps  and  wait  for  a  more  fa- 
vourable season.  In  eithei^ase  they  would  have 
suffered  immensely.  The^fopriety  of  the  remon- 
strances made  by  Washington  against  the  many 
delays  which  had  taken  place,  now  became  obvi- 
ously striking.  The  hopes  of  restoring  peace  to 
the  frontier  settlements  by  reducing  FortDuques- 
ne,  began  to  vanish.  But  contrary  to  all  human 
appearances,  success  was  now  offered  to  their 
grasp  at  the  very  moment  they  had  given  up  every 
hope  of  obtaining  it. 

Some  prisoners  were  taken,  who  gave  such  in- 
formation of  the  state  of  the  garrison,  as  induced 
a  reversal  of  the  late  determination,  and  encourag- 
ed the  general  to  proceed.  Washington  was  in 
front  superintending  the  opening  of  the  road  for 
the  accommodation  of  the  troops.  They  advanced 
with  slow  and  cautious  steps  until  they  reached 
Fort  Duquesne.  To  their  great  surprise  they 


GKORGE  WASHINGTON. 


17 


found  the  fort  evacuated,  and  that  the  garrison  had 
retreated  down  the   Ohio.     The  reasons  for  the 
abandonment  of  so  advantageous  a  position,  must 
be  looked  for  elsewhere.     The  British  had  urged 
the  war  with  so  much  vigour  and  success  against 
the  French  to  the  northward  of  the  Ohio,  that  no 
reinforcements  could  be  spared  to  Fort  Duquesne. 
The  British  fleet  had  captured  a  considerable  part 
of  the  reinforcements  designed  by  France  for  her 
colonies.     The  tide  of  fortune  had  begun  to  turn 
against  the  French  in  favour  of  the  English.    This 
weakened  the  influence  of  the  former  over  the  In- 
dians, and  caused  them  to  withdraw  from  the  sup- 
port of  the  garrison.     Under  different  circumstan- 
ces, the  success  of  the  campaign  would  have  been 
doubtful,   perhaps   impracticable.      The    benefits 
which  resulted  from  the  acquisition  of  Fort  Du- 
quesne,  proved  the  'Soundness  of  Washington's 
judgment  in  so  warmly  urging,  for  three  years,  an 
expedition  for  its  reduction.    These  were  not  con- 
fined to  Virginia,  but  extended  to  Pennsylvania 
and  Maryland.     While  the  French  were  in  posses- 
sion of  that  post,  the  Indians  near  the  Ohio  were 
erftirely  at  their  beck.     This  was  their  place  of 
rendezvous,  and  from  it  they  made  frequent  and 
ruinous  incursions  into  these  three  colonies.    They 
neither  spared  age  nor  sex,  but  killed  or  captivat- 
ed indiscriminately  all  who  came  in   their  way. 
Fire  and  devastation  ;  the  scalping  knife  and  tom- 
ahawk, marked  their  route.     A  complete  revolu- 
tion in  the  disposition  of  the  Indians,  resulted  from 
the  expulsion  pi  the  French.     Always  prone  to 
take  part  with  the  strongest,  the  Indians  deserted 


18  THE  LIFE  Of 

their  ancient  friends,  and  paid  court  to  those  who, 
by  recent  conquest,  were  now  in  possession  of  the 
country.  A  treaty  of  peace  was  soon  after  con- 
eluded  with  all  the  Indian  tribes  between  the  lakes 
and  the  Ohio.  Fort  Duquesne  henceforward  as- 
sumed the  name  of  Fort  Pitt,  received  consider- 
able repairs,  and  was  garrisoned  by  two  hundred 
men  from  Washington's  regiment.  It  became  as 
useful  in  future  to  the  English  settlements,  as  it 
had  been  injurious  while  in  the  occupation  of  the 
French. 

The  campaign  of  1758  ended  the  military  ca- 
reer of  Col.  Washington  as  a  provincial  officer. 
The  great  object  on  which  his  heart  was  set,  the 
reduction  of  Fort  Duquesne,  being  accomplished, 
he  resigned  his  commission. 

During  the  three  preceding  years  in  which  he 
was  char  ged  with  the  defence  of  Virginia,  none  of 
those  great  events  occurred  which  enliven  and 
adorn  the  page  of  history ;  yet  the  duties  he  per- 
formed were  extremely  arduous.  He  established 
exact  discipline  in  his  regiment,  though  unaccus- 
tomed to  restraint,  and  infused  into  them  such  a 
spirit  as  made  them,  when  in  action,  fight  like  men, 
and  die  like  soldiers. 

The  difficulties  of  defending  such  an  extensive 
frontier,  with  so  inadequate  a  force,  would  have 
chagrined  almost  any  other  man  into  a  resignation 
of  the  command,  but  onlv  excited  in  him  greater 
importunity  vvuh  the  ruling  powers,  for  the  cor- 
rection of  errors.  The  plans  he  proposed,  the 
systems  he  recommended  for  conducting  the  war, 
displayed  an  uncommon  vigour  of  mind.  He  re- 
tired from  the  army  with  the  thanks  of  his  regi- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  19 

ment,  and  the  esteem  not  only  of  his  countrymen^ 
but  of  the  officers  of  the  British  army  ;  and  what 
is  particularly  remarkable,  with  the  undiminished 
confidence  of  the  frontier  settlers,  to  whom  he  was 
unable  to  extend  that  protection  they  expected 
from  his  hands.  They  were  thoroughly  convinced 
he  had  made  the  best  possible  use  of  his  scanty 
means  for  the  security  of  so  extensive  a  frontier ; 
and  to  the  weight  of  his  advice  in  recommending, 
and  spirited  co-operation  in  executing,  they  as- 
cribed a  large  proportion  of  the  merit  of  the  late 
successful  expedition  against  Fort  Duquesne ;  an 
event  from  which  they  promised  themselves  an 
exemption  from  the  calamities  under  which  they 
had  long  laboured.  As  a  reward  of  his  gallant  and 
patriotic  services,  he  shortly  after  obtained  the 
hand  of  Mrs.  Custis,  who,  to  a  fine  person  and 
large  fortune,  addtd  every  accomplishment  which 
contributes  to  the  happiness  of  married  life.  Col. 
Washington,  by  the  death  of  his  elder  brother 
Lawrence,  had  a  few  years  before  acquired  an  es- 
tate situated  on  the  Potowmack,  called  Mount 
Vernon,  in  compliment  to  admiral  Vernon,  who, 
about  the  year  1741,  commanded  the  British  fleet 
in  an  expedition  against  Carthagena,  in  which  ex- 
pedition Mr.  Lawrence  Washington  had  been  en- 
gagetL 

To  this  delightful  spot  the  late  commander  of 
the  Virginia  forces,  released  from  the  cares  of  a 
military  life,  and  in  possession  of  every  thing  that 
could  make  life  agreeable,  withdrew,  and  g-ve 
hi-.tiself  up  to  domestic  pursuits.  These  were  con- 
ducted with  so  much  judgment,  steadiness,  and 
industry,  as  greatly  to  enlarge  and  improve  his 


20  THE  LIFE  OF 

estate.  To  them  he  exclusively  devoted  himself 
•for  fifteen  years,  with  the  exception  of  serving  in 
the  house  of  burgesses  of  the  colony  of  Virginia, 
and  as  a  judge  of  the  court  of  the  county  in  which 
he  resided.  In  these  stations  he  acquitted  him- 
self with  reputation,  and  acquired  no  inconsider- 
able knowledge  in  the  science  of  civil  government. 
During  this  period,  the  clashing  claims  of  Great 
Britain  and  her  colonies  were  frequently  brought 
before  the  Virginia  legislature.  In  every  instance 
he  took  a  decided  part  in  the  opposition  made  to  the 
principle  of  taxation  claimed  by  the  parent  state. 

H  id  Great  Britain  been  wise,  the  history  of 
George  Washington  would  have  ended  here,  with 
the  addition  th.it  he  died  in  the  sixty  eighth  year 
of  his  age,  having  sustained  through  life  the  char- 
acter of  a  good  man,  an  excellent  farmer,  a  wise 
member  of  the  legislature,  and  an  impartial  dis- 
tributer of  justice  among  his  neighbours.  Very 
different  was  his  destiny.  From  being  the  com- 
mander of  the  forces  of  his  native  colony,  Virginia, 
he  was  advanced  to  the  command  of  the  armies 
of  thirteen  United  Colonies,  and  successful!  led 
them  through  a  revolutionary  war  of  eight  years  1 
duration,  which  issued  in  their  establishment  as 
thirteen  United  States.  The  origin  of  these  great 
events  must  be  looked  for  across  the  Atlantic. 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  21 


CHAPTER  II. 


Retrospect  of  the  origin  of  the  American  revolutionary  xwar Of  George 

Washington  as  member  of  Congress,  in  1774  and  1775 As  Com- 
mander in  Chief  of  the  armies  of  the  United  Colonies  in  1775  and 
17/"6,  and  his  operations  near  Boston,  in  these  years. 


SOON  after  the  peace  of  Paris,  1763,  a  new  system 
for  governing  the  British  colonies,  was  adopted. 
One  abridgment  of  their  accustomed  liberties  fol- 
lowed another  in  such  rapid  succession,  that  in 
the  short  space  of  twelve  years  they  had  nothing 
left  they  could  call  their  own.  The  British  par- 
liament, in  which  they  were  unrepresented,  and 
over  which  they  had  no  control,  not  only  claimed, 
but  exercised  the  power  of  taxing  them  at  pleas- 
ure, and  of  binding  them  in  all  cases  whatsoever. 
Claims  so  repugnant  to  the  spirit  of  the  British 
constitution,  and  which  made  such  invidious  dis- 
tinction's between  the  subjects  of  the  same  king, 
residing  on  different  sides  of  the  Atlantic,  excited 
a  serious  alarm  among  the  colonists.  Detached 
as  they  were  from  each  other  by  local  residence, 
and  unconnected  hi  their  several  legislatures,  a 
sense  of  common  danger  pointed  out  to  them  the 
wisdom  and  propriety  of  forming  a  new  represent- 
ative hod*',  composed  of  d-'. 'legate  s  fnxu  each  col- 
ony, to  take  care  of  their  common  interests. 


*•*  THE  LIFE  OF 

With  very  little  previous  concert,  such  a  body 
was  formed  and  met  in  Philadelphia,  in  Septem- 
ber, 1774,  and  entered  into  the  serious  considera- 
tion of  the  grievances  under  which  their  constitu- 
ents laboured.  To  this  congress  Virginia  deput- 
ed seven  of  her  most  respectable  citizens  ;  Peyton 
Randolph,  Richard  Henry  Lee,  George  Washing- 
ton, Patrick  Henry,  Richard  Bland,  Benjamin 
Harrison,  Edmund  Pendleton  ;  men  who  would 
have  done  honour  to  any  age  or  country.  The 
same  were  appointed  in  tike  manner  to  attend  a 
second  congress  on  the  10th.  of  May,  in  the  follow- 
ing year.  1  he  historians  of  the  American  revo- 
lution will  detail  with  pleasure  and  pride,  the  pro- 
ceedings of  this  illustnous  assembly  ;  the  firmness 
and  precision  with  which  they  stated  their  griev- 
ances, and  petitioned  their  sovereign  to  redress 
them  ;  the  eloquence  with  which  they  addressed 
the  people  of  Great  Britain,  the  inhabitants  of  Can- 
ada, and  their  own  constituents;  the  judicious 
measures  they  adopted  for  cementing  union  at 
home,  and  procuring  friends  abroad.  They  will 
albo  inform  the  world  of  the  unsuccessful  termina- 
tion oi  all  plans  proposed  for  preserving  the  union 
of  the  empire,  and  that  Great  Britain,  proceeding 
from  one  oppression  to  another,  threw  the  colonies 
oui  of  her  protection,  made  war  upon  them,  and 
carried  it  on  with  a  view  to  their  subjugation. 
All  these  matters,  together  with  the  commence- 
ment of  hostilities  at  Lexington,  and  the  formation 
of  an  American  army  by  the  colony  of  Massachu- 
setts, for  defending  themselves  against  a  royal  ar- 
my in  Boston,  must  be  here  passed  over.  Our 
business  is  only  with  George  Washington.  The 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

feme  he  had  acquired  as  commander  of  the  Virginia 
forces,  together  with  his  well  known  military  tal- 
ents, procured  for  him  the  distinguishing  appella- 
tion of  the  Soldier  of  America.  Those  who,  be- 
fore the  commencement  of  hostilities,  looked  for- 
ward  to  war  as  the  probable  consequence  of  the 
disputes  between  Great  Britain  and  her  colonies, 
anticipated  his  appointment  to  the  supreme  com- 
mand of  the  forces  of  his  native  country. 

As  long  as  he  continued  a  member  of  Congress, 
he  was  chairman  of  every  committee  appointed  by 
that  body  to  make  arrangements  for  defence. 
These  duties  in  the  Senate  were  soon  superseded 
by  more  active  employment  in  the  field.  As  soon 
as  the  Congress  of  the  United  Colonies  had  deter- 
mined on  making  a  common  cause  with  Massa- 
chusetts, against  which  a  British  army  had  com- 
menced hostilities,  they  appointed,  by  an  unani- 
mous Vote,  George  Washington,  commander  in 
chief  of  all  the  forces  raised  or  to  be  raised  for  the 
defence  of  the  colonies.  His  election  was  accom- 
panied with  no  competition,  and  followed  by  no  en- 
vy. The  same  general  impulse  on  the  public  mind, 
which  led  the  colonies  to  agree  in  many  other  par- 
ticulars, pointed  to  him  as  the  most  proper  person 
for  presiding  over  their  armies. 

To  the  president  of  Congress  announcing  this 
appointment,  General  Washington  replied  in  the 
following  words  ; 

«  MR   PRKSID'^NT, 

"  Though  I  am  truly  sensible  of  the  high  hon- 
our d  me  me  in  tins  appointment,  yet  1  feel  great 
di:>uca;>  iioai  a.  consciousness  that  my  abiluies  and 


<**  THE  LIFE  OF 

military  experience  may  not  be  equal  to  the  ex- 
tensive  and  important  trust.  However,  as  the 
Congress  desire  it,  I  will  enter  upon  the  momeii  - 
tons  duty,  and  exert  every  power  I  possess  in  their 
service, 'and  for  support  of  the  glorious  cause.  I 
beg  they  will  accept  my  most  cordial  thanks,  for 
this  distinguished  testimony  of  their  approbation. 

"  Jbut  lest  some  unlucky  event  should  happen 
unfavourable  to  my  reputation,  I  beg  it  may  be  re- 
membered by  every  gentleman  in  the  room,  that 
I  this  day  declare  with  the  utmost  sincerity,  I  do 
not  think  myself  equal  to  the  command  I  am  hon- 
oured with. 

"  As  to  pay,  Sir,  I  beg  leave  to  assure  the  Con- 
gress that  as  no  pecuniary  consideration  could 
have  tempted  me  to  accept  this  aiduous  employ- 
ment, at  the  expense  of  my  domestic  ease  and  hap- 
piness, I  do  not  wish  to  make  any  profit  from  it.  I 
will  keep  an  exact  account  of  my  expenses  ;  those  I 
doubt  not  they  will  discharge,  and  chat  is  all  I  desire." 

A  special  commission  was  made  out  for  him, 
and  at  the  same  time  an  unanimous  resolution  was 
adopted  by  Congress,  "  that  they  would  maintain 
and  assist  him,  and  adhere  to  him  vviiil  their  hves 
and  fortunes,  for  the  maintenance  and  preservation 
of  American  Liberty." 

He  immediately  entered  on  the  duties  of  his 
high  station.  After  passing  a  few  da\  s  in  New 
York,  and  making  soaie  arrangements  with  Gen. 
Schuyler,  who  commanded  there,  he  proceeded  to 
Cambridge,  which  was  the  headquarters  of  ihe 
American  army-  On  his  way  thither,  he  received 
fro'ii  private  persons  and  public  hod  its,  ihe  .>ust 
flattering  attention,  and  the  strongest  expressions 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  25 

©f  determination  to  support  him.  He  received  an 
address  from  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New- 
York,  in  which,  after  expressing  their  approbation 
of  his  elevation  to  command,  they  say,  "  We  have 
the  fullest  assurances,  that  whenever  this  impor- 
tant contest  shall  be  decided  by  that  fondest  wish 
of  each  American  soul,  an  accommodation  with 
our  mother  country,  you  will  cheerfully  resign  the 
important  deposit  committed  into  your  hands,  and 
reassume  the  character  of  our  worthiest  citizen." 
The  General,  after  declaring  his  gratitude  for  the 
respect  shown  him,  added,  "Be  assured  that 
every  exertion  of  my  worthy  colleagues  and  my- 
self, will  be  extended  to  the  re-establishment  of 
peace  and  harmony  between  the  mother  country 
and  these  colonies;  As  to  the  fatal,  but  necessary 
operations  of  war,  when  we  assumed  the  soldier 
we  did  not  lay  aside  the  citizen,  and  we  shall  most 
sincerely  rejoice  with  you  in  that  happy  hour, 
when  the  re-establishment  of  American  liberty,  oil 
the  most  firm  and  solid  foundations,  shall  enable 
us  to  return  to  our  private  stations,  in  the  bosoin. 
of  a  free,  peaceful,  and  happy  country." 

A  committee  from  the  Massachusetts  Congress 
received  him  at.  Springfield,  about  one  hundred 
miles  from  Boston,  and  conducted  him  to  the  ar- 
my. f  He  was  soon  after  addressed  by  the  Con- 
gress of  that  colony  in  the  most  affectionate  man- 
ner. In  his  answer,  he  said,  "  Gentlemen,  your 
kind  congratulations  on  my  appointment  and  ar- 
rival, demand  my  warmest  acknowledgments,  and 
will  ever  be  retained  in  grateful  remembrance. 
In  exchanging  the  enjoyments  of  domestic  life  for 
4 


-4O  THE  LTFK  OF 

the  duties  of  my  present  honourable,  but  arduous 
station,  I  only  emulate  the  virtue  and  public:  spirit 
of  the  whole  province  of  Massachusetts,  which, 
^ith  a  firmness  and  patriotism  without  example, 
has  sacrificed  all  the  comforts  of  social  and  polit- 
ical life  in  support  of  the  rights  of  mankind,  and 
the  welfare  of  our  common  country.  My  hi;- best 
ambition  is  to  be  the  happy  instrument  of  vindi- 
cating these  rights,  and  to  see  this  devoted  prov- 
ince again  restored  to  peace,  liberty,  and  safety," 
When  Gen.  Washington  arrived  at  Cambridge, 
he  was  received  with  the  joyful  acclamations  of 
the  American  army.  At  the  head  of  his  troops, 
he  published  a  declaration  previously  drawn  up 
by  Congress,  in  the  nature  of  a  manifesto,  setting 
forth  the  reasons  for  taking  up  arms.  In  this, 
after  enumerating  various  grievances  of  the  colo- 
nies, and  vindicating  them  from  a  premeditated 
design  of  establishing  independent  states,  it  was 
added ;  "  In  cur  own  native  land,  in  defence  of 
the  freedom  which  is  our  birthright,  and  which 
we  ever  enjoyed  till  the  late  violation  of  it ;  for 
the  protection  of  our  property,  acquired  solely 
by  the  industry  of  our  forefathers  and  ourselves, 
against  violence  actually  offered ;  -we  have  taken 
up  arms ;  we  shall  lay  them  clown  when  hostilities 
shall  cease  on  the  part  of  the  aggressors,  and  all 
danger  of  their  being  renewed  shall  be  removed, 
and  not  before." 

When  Gen.  Washington  joined  the  American 
-nrmy,  he  found  the  British  intrenched  on  Bunker's 
Hill,  having  also  three  floating  batteries  in  Mystic 
River,  and  a  twenty  gun  ship  below  the  ferry  be- 


GEO!u;a  WASHINGTON, 

tween  Boston  and  Charlestown..  They  had  also  a 
battery  on  Copse's  Hill,  and  were  strongly  forti- 
fied on  the  neck.  The  Americans  were  intrench- 
ed at  Winter  Hill,  Prospect  Hill,  and  Roxbury,. 
communicating  with  one  another  by  small  posts 
over  a  distance  of  ten  miles,  nor  could  they  be 
contracted  without  exposing  the  country  to  the 
incursions  of  the  enemy. 

The  army  put  under  the  command  of  Washing- 
ton amounted  to  fourteen  thousand  five  hundred 
men.  Several  circumstances  concurred  to  render 
this  force,  very  inadequate  to  active  operations. 
Military  stores  were  deficient  in  camp,  and  the, 
whole  in  the  country  was  inconsiderable.  On  the 
4th.  of  August,  all  the  stock  of  powder  in  the 
American  camp,  and  in  the  public  magazines  of 
the  four  New  England  provinces,  would  have 
made  very  little  more  than  nine  rounds  a  man.  In 
this  destitute  condition  the  army  remained  for  a 
fortnight.  To  the  want  of  powder  was  added  a  very 

feneral  want  of  bayonets,  of  clothes,  of  working 
)ols,  and  a  total  want  of  engineers.  Under  all 
these  embarrassments,  the  General  observed,  that 
1  he  had  the  materials  of  a  good  army  ;  that  the  men 
were  able  boclied,  active,  zealous  in  the  cause,  and 
of  unquestionable  courage."  He  immediately  in- 
stituted such  arrangements  as  were  calculated  to 
increase  their  capacity  for  service.  The  army  was 
distributed  into  brigades  and  divisions,  and  on  his 
recommendation,  general  staff  officers  were  appoint- 
ed. Economy,  union,  and  system,  were  intro- 
duced into  every  department.  As  the  troops  came 
into  service  under  the  authority  of  distinct  colonial 
governments,  no  uniformity  existed  among  the1 


28  THE  LIFE  OF 

regiments.  In  Massachusetts  the  men  had  chosen 
their  officers,  and,  rank  excepted,  were  in  other 
respects,  frequently  their  equals.  To  form  one 
uniform  mass  of  these  discordant  materials,  and  to 
subject  freemen  animated  with  the  spirit  of  liber- 
ty, and  collected  for  its  defence,  to  the  control  of 
military  discipline,  required  patience,  forbearance, 
and  a  spirit  of  accommodation.  This  delicate  and 
arduous  duty  was  undertaken  by  Gen.  Washing- 
ton, and  discharged  with  great  address.  When 
he  had  made  considerable  progress  in  disciplining 
his  army,  the  term  for  which  inlistments  had  taken 
place  was  on  the  point  of  expiring.  The  troops 
from  Connecticut  and  Rhode  Island  were  only  en- 
gaged to  the  first  of  December,  1775  ;  and  no  part 
of  the  army  longer  than  to  the  first  of  January, 
1776.  The  commander  in  chief  made  early  and 
forcible  representations  to  Congress  on  this  sub- 
ject, and  urged  them  to  adopt  efficient  measures 
ibr  the  formation  of  a  new  army.  They  deputed 
three  of  their  members,  Mr.  Lynch,  Dr.  Franklin, 
and  Mr.  Hurrison,  to  repair  to  camp,  and,  in  con- 
junction with  him  and  the  chief  magistrates  of  the 
New  England  colonies,  to  confer  on  the  most  effec- 
tual mode  of  continuing,  supporting,  and  regulat- 
ing, a  continental  army.  By  them  it  was  resolved 
to  list  twenty  three  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
twenty  two  men,  as  far  as  practicable,  from  the 
troops  before  Boston,  to  serve  till  the  last  day  of 
December,  1776,  unless  sooner  discharged  by 
Congress.  In  the  execution  of  this  resolve,  Wash- 
ington called  upon  all  officers  and  soldiers  to  make 
their  election  far  retiring  or  continuing.  Several 
<<>f  the  inferior  officers  retired;  Manv  of  the  men 


GK011GE  WASHINGTON.  M 

would  not  continue  on  any  terms.  Several  refus- 
ed, unless  they  were  indulged  with  furloughs. 
Others,  unless  they  were  allowed  to  choose  their 
officers.  So  many  impediments  obstructed  the 
recruiting  service,  that  it  required  great  address  to 
obviate  them.  Washington  made  forcible  appeals 
in  general  orders,-  to  the  pride  and  patriotism  of 
both  officers  and  men.  He  promised  every  indul- 
gence compatible  w' th  safety,  and  every  comfort 
that  the  state  of  the  country  authorized.  In  gen- 
eral orders  of  the  20th,  of  "October,  he  observed, 
"  The  times,  and  the  importance  of  the  great  cause 
we  are  engaged  in,  allow  no  room  for  hesitation 
and  delay.  When  life,  liberty,  and  property,  are 
at  stake;  when  our  country  is  in  danger  of  being; 
a  melancholy  scene  of  bloodshed  arid  desolation; 
when  our  towns  are  laid  in  ashes,  innocent  women 
and  children  driven  from  their  peaceful  habitations, 
exposed  to  the  rigours  of  an  inclement  season,  to 
depend  perhaps  on  the  hand  of  charity  for  sup- 
port ;  when  calamities  like  these  are  staring  us-in 
the  face,  and  a  brutal  savage  enemy  threatens  us 
and  every;  thing  we  hold  dear  with  destruction 
from  foreign  troops,  it  little  becomes  the  charac- 
ter of  a  soldier  to  shrink  from  danger,  and  condi- 
tion for  new  terms.  It  is  the  General's  intention 
to  indulge  both  officers  and  soldiers  who  compose, 
the  new  army .  with  furloughs  for  a  rcusoftble 
time  ;  Iput  this  must  be  cLoae  in  such  a  manner  as 
not  to 'injure  the  service,  or  weaken  the  army  too 
much  at  once."  In  the  instructions  given  to  the 
recruiting  officers,  the  General  enjoined  upon  them 
"  not  to  inlist  any  person  suspected  of  being  un- 
friendly to  the  liberties  of  America,  or  any  abntv 


3®  Till;  LIFE  OK 

doned  vagabond,  to  whom  all  causes  and  coiin* 
tries  are  equal  and  alike  indifferent." 

Though  great  exertions  had  been  made  to  pro- 
cure recruits,  yet  the  regiments  were  not  filled. 
Several  causes  operated  in  producing  this  disincli- 
nation to  the  service.  The  sufferings  of  the  army 
had  been  great.  Fuel  was  very  scarce.  Clothes, 
and  even  provisions,  had  not  been  furnished  them 
in  sufficient  quantities.  The  smallpox  deterred 
many  from  entering  ;  but  the  principal  reason  was 
a  dislike  to  a  military  life.  Much  also  of  that  en- 
thusiasm which  brought^  umbers  to  the  field,  on 
the  commencement  of  hostilities,  had  abated.  The 
army  of  1775  was  wasting  away  by  the  expiration 
of  the  terms  of  service,  and  recruits  for  the  new, 
entered  blowly.  The  regiments  which  were  enti- 
tled to  their  discharge  on  the  1st.  of  December, 
were  with  great  difficulty  persuaded  to  stay  ten 
days,  when  reinforcements  of  militia  were  expect- 
ed to  supply  their  place.  From  the  eagerness  of 
the  o!d  troops  to  go  home,  and  the  slowness  of  the 
new  to  enter  the  service,  it  was  difficult  to  keep  up 
the  blockade.  On  the  last  day  of  the  year,  when 
the  first  were  entirely  disbanded,  the  last  only 
amounted  to  nine  thousand  six  hundred  and  fifty 
men,  and  many  of  these  were  absent  on  furlough. 
At  thL-5  time  the  royal  army  in  Boston  was  about 
oight  thousand.  To  assist  the  recruiting  service, 
the  General  recommended  to  Congress  to  try  the 
affects  of  a  bounty,  but  this  was  not  agreed  to  till 
late  in  January,  1776.  In  that  and  the  following 
month  the  army  wr.s  considerably  increased. 

The  blockade  of  Boston  was  all  this  time  kept 
np,  and  the  enemy  confined  to  the  city,  but  this 


GEOROB  WASHINGTON.  31 

I 

was  far  short  of  what  the  American  people  expect- 
ed. Common  fame  represented  the  troops  under 
the  command  of  Washington  to  be  nearly  treble 
the  royal  army.  This  ample  force  was  supposed 
to  be  furnished  with  every  thing  necessary  for  the 

\   most  active  operations.     Their  real  numbers  and 

'  deficient  equipments  were,  for  obvious  reasons, 
carefully  concealed.  The  ardour  and  impatience 
of  Uie  public  had  long  since  counted  on  the  ex- 
pulsion of  the  British  from  Boston.  Washington 
was  equally  ardent,  but  better  informed  and  more 

I  prudent.  He  well  knew  the  advantages  that  would 
result  to  the  cause  in  which  he  was  engaged  from 
sonic  -brilliant  stroke,  nor*was  he  insensible  to  in- 
sinuations by  some  that  he  was  devoid  of cnergv, 
and  by  others  that  he  wished  to  prolong  his  own 
importance  by  continuing  the  war.  He  bore  these 
murmurs  with  patience;  but  nevertheless,  had  liis 
eyes  directed  to  Boston,  and  wished  for  an  open- 
ing to  commence  offensive  operations.  The  pro- 

(  prietv  of  this  measure  was  submitted  to  the  con- 
sideration of  repeated  councils  of  war,  who  uni- 
formly declared  against  it.  A  hope  was  neverthe- 
less indulged. that  ice  in  the  course  of  the  winter, 
would  be  favourable  to  an  assault.  That  this  op- 
portunity might  not  be  lost,  measures- were  adopt- 
ed for  procuring  large  reinforcements  of  rn.iii.ia  to 
serve  till  the  first,  of  March,  1776.  From  four  to 
•five  thousand  men  were  accordingly  procur-d. 
Contrary  to  what  is  usual,  the  waters  about  Bos- 
ton continued  open  till  the  middle  of  February. 
Councils  of  war  were  hitherto  nearly  unanimous 
against  an  assault.  General  Washington  was  less 
opposed  to  it  than  some  others,  but  the  want  of 


32  Tl-'.K  LIFE  OF 

ammunition  for  the  artillery,  together  with  the 
grrut  probability  of  failure,  induced  him  to  decline 
thv-  .ittempt.  In  lieu  of  it  he  formed  a  bold  reso- 
lution to  take  a  new  position  that  would  either 
compel  the  British  General,  to  come  to  an  action, 
or  to  evacuate  Boston.  The  American  army  was 
now  stronger  than  ever.  Recruiting  for  the  two 
last  months  had  been  unusually  successful.  The 
regular  army  exceeded  fourteen  thousand  men, 
ancl  the  militia  were  about  six  thousand.  Wash- 
ington, thus  reinforced,  determined  to  fortify  the 
heights  of  Dorchester,  from  which  he  could  annoy 
the  ships  in  the  harbour,  and  the  army  in  the 
town.  To  favour  the  execuiion  of  this  plan,  the 
town  and  lines  of  the  enemy  were  bombarded  on 
the  2d.  3d.  and  4th.  of  March.  On  the  night  of 
the  4th.  Gen.  Thomas,  with  a  considerable  detach- 
ment, took  possession  of  the  heights  of  Dorches- 
ter. By  great  exertions  this  party  in  the  course 
of  the  night,  nearly  covered  themselves  from  the 
shot  of  the  enemy.  The  appearance  of  their  works 
caused  no  little  surprise  in  the  British  camp. 
These  were  every  hour  advancing  so  as  to  aiforcj 
additional  security  to  the  Americans  posted  be- 
hind them.  The  Admiral  informed  Gen.  Howe, 
that  if  the  Americans  kept, possession  of  these 
heights,  he  would  not  be  able  to  keep  one  of  the 
British  ships  in  the  harbour.  The  enemy  were 
now  brought  to  the  alternative  which  Washington/ 
wished  for.  They  must  cither  risk  an  action  with- 
out their  lines,  or  abandon  the  place.  Gen.  Howe 
preferred  the  former,  and  ordered  three  thousand 
men  on  this  service.  These  were  embarked,  and 
fell  down  to  the  C«btle  with  the  intention  of  pro- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON".  3-3 

ceeding  up  the  river  to  the  attack,  but  were  dis- 
persed by  a  tremendous  storm.  Before  they  could 
be  in  readiness  to  proceed,  the  American  works 
were  advanced  to  such  a  state  of  security  as  to 
discourage  any  attempt  against  them. 

Washington  expecting  an  immediate  assault  on 
the  new  raised  works  at  Dorchester,  and  judgiug 
that  the  best  troops  of  the  enemy  would  be  order- 
ed on  that  service,  had  prepared  to  attack  the  town 
of  Boston  at  the  same  time  ;  four  thousand  men 
were  ready  for  embarkation  at  the  mouth  of  Cam- 
bridge  river  to  proceed  on  this  business,  as  soon 
as  it  was  known  that  the  British  were  gone  out  in 
force  to  their  intended  attack.  It  was  now  resolv- 
ed by  the  British  to  evacuate  Boston  as  soon  as 
possible.  In  a  few  days  after,  a  flag  came  out  of 
Boston  with  a  paper  signed  by  four  select  men, 
informing,  "  that  they  had  applied  to  Gen.  Rob- 
ertson, who,  on  an  application  to  Gen.  Howe,  was 
authorized  to  assure  them,  that  he  had  no  intention 
of  burning  the  town,  unless  the  troops  under  his 
command  were  molested  during  their  embarkation, 
or  at  their  departure,  by  the  armed  force  without. " 
When  this  paper  was  presented  to  Gen.  Washing- 
ton, he  replied,  "  that  as  it  was  an  unauthenticat- 
ed  paper,  and  without  an  address,  and  not  obliga- 
tory on  Gen.  Howe,  he  could  take  no  notice  of  it ;" 
but  at  the  same  time  "  intimated  his  good  wishes 
for  the  security  of  the  town." 

Washington  made  arrangements  for  the  securi- 
ty of  his  army,  but  did  not  advance  his  works  nor 
embarrass  the  British  army  in  their  proposed  evac- 
uation. He  wished  to  save  Boston,  and  to  gain 
time  for  the  fortification  of  New  York,  to  which 


34  fFIIE  LIFE  OE 

pb.ce  he  supposed  the  evacuating  army  was  des- 
tined. Under  this  impression,  he  detached  a  con- 
siderable part  of  his  army  to  that  place,  and  with 
the  remainder  took  possession  of  Boston,  as  soon 
as  the  British  troops  had  completed  their  embark- 
ation. On  entering  the -town,  Washington  was 
received  with  marks  of  approbation  more  flatter- 
ing than  the  pomps  of  a  triumph. 

The  inhabitants,  released  from  the  severities  of 
a  garrison  life,  and  from  the  various  indignities  to 
which  they  were  subjected,  hailed  him  as  their  de- 
liverer. Reciprocal  congratulations  between  those 
who  had  been  confined  within  the  British  lines, 
and  those  who  were  excluded  from  entering  them, 
were  exchanged  with  an  ardour  which  cannot  be 
described.  Gen.  Washington  was  honoured  by 
Congress  with  a  vote  of  thanks.  They  also  or- 
dered a  medal  to  be  struck,  with  suitable  devices 
to  perpetuate  the  remembrance  of  the  great  event. 
The  Massachusetts  Council,  and  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives complimented' him  in  a  joint  address,  in 
which  they  expressed  their  good  wishes  in  the  fol- 
lowing words;  "May  you  still  go  on  approved 
by  Heaven,  revered  by  all  good  men,  and  dreaded 
by  those  tyrants  who  claim  their  fellow  men  as 
their  property."  His  answer  was  rnodest  and 
proper. 


E  WASHINGTON. 


CHAPTER  III, 


CAMPAIGN  OF  177G. 

Of  the  operations  of  General    Washington  in   New  York  and  New  Jei>- 

sey The  buttle  on  Long-  Islnnc! The  retrett  from  York  Island  and 

through  Jersey The  battles  of  Trenton  and  Princeton. 


THE  evacuation  of  Boston  varied  the  scene,  but 
did  not  lessen  the  labours  of  Washington.  Hence- 
forward he  had  a  much  more  formidable  enemy 
to  contend  with.  The  royal  army  in  Boston  was, 
on  a  small  scale,  calculated  to  awe  the  inhabitants, 
of  Massachusetts  into  obedience,  but  the  cam- 
paign of  1776  was  opened  in  New  York  with  a 
force  far  exceeding  any  thing  hitherto  seen  in 
America.  Including  the  navy  and  army,  it  amount- 
ed to  fifty  five  thousand  men,  and  was  calculated 
on  the  idea  of  reducing  the  whole  United  Colo- 
nies. The  operations  contemplated  could  be  best 
carried  on  from  the  nearly  central  province  of  New 
York,  and  the  army  could  be  supplied  with  pro- 
visions from  the  adjacent  islands,  and  easily  de- 
fended by  the  British  navy.  For  these  reasons, 
the  evacuation  of  Boston,  and  the  concentration  of 
the  royal  forces  at  New  York,  had  been  for  some 
time  resolved  upon  in  England. 

The  reasons  that  induced  the  British  to-  gain 
possession  of  New  York,  weighed1  with  Washing- 


36  THE  LIFE  OF 

ton  to  prevent  or  delay  it.  He  hud  therefore  de* 
tached  largely  from  his  army  before  Boston,  and 
sent  Gen.  Lee  to  take  the  command,  and  after  pro- 
viding for  the  security  of  Boston,  proceeded  soon 
after  the  evacuation  thereof  with  the  main  army  to 
Nevy  York,  and  made  every  preparation  in  his 
power  for  its  defence.  Considerable  tune  was  al- 
lowed for  this  purpose  ;  for  Gen.  Howe,  instead  of 
pushing  directly  for  New  York,  retired  to  Halifax 
Mi-.h  the  forces  withdrawn  from  Boston.  He 
there  waited  for  the  promised  reinforcements  from 
England;  but,  impatient  of  delay,  sailed  without 
them  for  New  York,  and  took  possession  of  Staten 
Island  in  the  latter  end  of  June.  He  was  soon 
followed -by  his  brother,  Admiral  Howe,  and  their 
whole  force  was  assembled  about  the  middle  of  Ju- 
ly, and  in  apparent  readiness  for  opening  thecam- 
.ign.  Before  hostilities  were  commenced,  the 
irish  General  and  Admiral,  in  their  quality  of 
civil  com niissioners  for  effecting  a  reunion  between 
Great  Britain  and  the  Colonies,  made  an  attempt 
at  negotiation.  To  introduce  this  business,  they 
sent  a  flag  ashore  with  a  letter  addressed  to  George 
Washington,  Esq.  This  he  refused  to  receive,  as 
not  being  addressed  to  him  with  the  title  due  to 
his  rank,  and  at  the  same  time  wrote  to  Congress. 
"  That  he  would  not,  on  any  occasion,  sacrifice 
essentials  to  punctilio,  but  in  this  instance,  deem- 
ed it  a  duty  to  his  country  to  insist  on  that  respect 
tvhich,  in  any.  other  than  a  public  vie\y,  lie  would 
Willingly  have  waved."  Some  time  after,  Adju- 
tant General  Patterson  was  sent  by  Gen.  Howe 
with  a  letter  addressed  to  George  Washington* 
&c.  &c,  &c.  On  an  interview,  the  Adjutant  GCH- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  37 

eral,  after  expressing  his  high  esteem  for  the  per- 
son and  character  of  the  American  General,  and 
declaring  that  it  was  not  intended  to  derogate  from 
the  respect  due  to  Uis  rank,  expressed  his  hopes, 
that  the  et  ceteras  would  remove  the  impediments 
to  their  correspondence.  Gen.  Washington  re- 
plied, "  That  a  letter  directed  to  any  person  in  a 
public  character,  should  have  some  description  of 
it,  otherwise  it  would  appear  a  mere  private  letter ; 
that  it  was  true  the  et  ceteras  implied  every  thing, 
but  they  also  implied  any  thing,  and  that  he  should 
therefore  decline  the  receiving  any  letter  directed 
to  him  as  a  private  person,  when  it  related  to  his 
public  station."  A  long  conference  ensued,  in 
which  the  Adjutant  General  observed,  that  "  the 
Commissioners  wrere  armed  with  great  powers, 
and  would  be  very  happy  in  effecting  an  accom- 
modation." He  received  for  answer,  "  that  from 
what  appeared,  their  powers  were  only  to  grant 
pardons;  that  they  who  had  committed  no  fault 
wanted  no  pardon." 

On  the  arrival  of  Gen.  Howe  at  Staten  Island, 
the  American  army  did  not  exceed  ten  thousand 
men,  but  by  sundry  reinforcements  before  the  end 
of  August,  they  amounted  to  twenty  seven  thous- 
and. Of  these  a  great  part  were  militia,  and  one 
fourth  of  the  whole  was  sick.  The  diseases  inci- 
dent to  new  troops  prevailed  extensively,  and  were 
aggravated  by  a  great  deficiency  in  tents.  These 
troops  were  so  judiciously  distributed  on  York 
Island  Long  Island,  Governor's  Island,  Paulus 
Hook,  and  on  the  Sound  toward  New  Rochclle, 
East  and  West  Chester,  that  the  enemy  were  very 
cautious  in  determining  when  or  where  to  com- 


38  THE  LTFK  OF 

mence  offensive  operations.  Every  probable  point 
of  debarkation  was  watched,  and  guarded  with  a 
force  sufficient  to  embarrass,  though  very  insuffi- 
cient to  prevent,  a  landing.  From  the  arrival  of 
the  British  army  at  Staten  Island,  the  Americans 
were  in  daily  expectation  of  being  attacked.  Gen- 
eral Washington  was  therefore  strenuous  in  pre- 
paring his  troops  for  action.  He  tried  every  ex- 
pedient to  kindle  in  their  breasts  the  love  of  their 
country,  and  an  high  toned  indignation  against  its 
invaders.  In  general  orders  he  addressed  them 
as  follows.  "  The  time  is  now  near  at  hand,  which 
must  probably  determine  whether  Americans  are 
to  be  freemen  or  slaves  ;  whether  they  are  to  have 
any  property  they  can  call  their  own  ;  whether 
their  houses  and  farms  are  to  be  pillaged  and  de- 
stroyed, and  themselves  consigned  to  a  state  of 
wretchedness,  from  which  no  human  efforts  will 
deliver  them.  The  fate  of  unborn  millions  will 
now  depend,  under  God,  on  the  courage  and  con- 
duct of  this  army.  Our  cruel  and  unrelenting 
enemy,  leaves  us  only  the  choice  of  a  brave  re- 
sistance, or  the  most  abject  submission.  We 
have  therefore  to  resolve  to  conquer  or  to  die.  Our 
own,  our  country's  honour,  calls  upon  us  for  a 
vigorous  and  manly  exertion  ;  and  if  we  now  shame- 
fully fail,  we  shall  become  infamous  to  the  whole 
world.  Let  us  then  rely  on  the  goodness  of  our 
cause,  and  the  aid  of  the  Supreme  Being,  in 
whose  hands  victory  is,  to  animate  and  encourage 
us  to  great  and  noble  actions.  The  eyes  of  all  our 
countrymen  are  now  upon  us,  and  we  shall  have 
their  blessings  and  praises,  if  happily  we  are  the 
instruments  of  saving  them  from  the  tyranny  med- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  39 

itated  against  them.  Let  us  therefore  animate 
and  encourage  each  other,  and  show  the  whole 
world  that  a  freeman  contending  for  liberty  on  his 
own  ground,  is  superior  to  any  slavish  mercenary 
on  earth." 

When  the  whole  reinforcements  of  the  enemy 
had  arrived,  Gen.  Washington,  in  expectation  of 
an  immediate  attack,  again  addressed  his  army, 
and  called  on  them  to  remember  that  "  liberty, 
property,  life,  and  honour,  were  all  at  stake ;  that 
upon  their  courage  and  conduct,  rested  the  hopes 
of  their  bleeding  and  insulted  country ;  that  their 
wives,  children,  and  parents,  expected  safety  from 
them  only  ;  and  that  they  had  every  reason  to  be- 
lieve that  Heaven  would  crown  with  success  so 
just  a  cause."  He  farther  added  ;  "  The  enemy 
will  endeavour  to  intimidate  by  show  and  appear- 
ance, but  remember  they  have  been  repulsed  on 
various  occasions  by  a  few  brave  Americans. 
Their  cause  is  bad ;  their  men  are  conscious  of  it, 
and  if  opposed  with  firmness  and  coolness  on  their 
first  onset,  with  our  advantage  of  works,  and 
knowledge  of  the  ground;  the  victory  is  most  as- 
suredly ours.  Every  good  soldier  will  be  silent 
and  attentive ;  wait  for  orders ;  and  reserve  his 
fire  until  he  is  sure  of  doing  execution ;  of  this- 
the  officers  are  to  be  particularly  careful." 

He  then  gave  the  most  explicit  orders  that  any 
soldier  who  should  attempt  to  conceal  himself,  or 
retreat  without  orders,  should  instantly  be  shot 
down,  as  an  example  of  the  punishment  of  cow- 
ardice, and  desired  every  officer  to  be  particularly 
attentive  to  the  conduct  of  his  men,  and  report 
those  who  should  distinguish  themselves  by  brave 


40 


'I' ME  LIFE  OF 


and  noble  actions.     These  he  solemnly  promised 
to  notice  and  reward. 

On  the  22d.  of  August,  the  greatest  part  of  the 
British  troops  landed  on  Long  Island.  Washing- 
ton immediately  made  a  farther  effort  to  rouse  hisf 
troops  to  deeds  of  valour.  "  The  enemy,"  said* 
he,  "  have  landed,  and  the  hour  is  fast  approach- 
ing on  which  the  honour  and  success  of  this  army, 
and  the  safety  of  our  bleeding  country,  depends. 
Remember,  officers  and  soldiers,  that  you  are  free- 
men, fighting  for  the  blessings  of  Liberty  ;  that 
slavery  will  be  your  portion  and  that  of  your  pos- 
terity, if  you  do  not  acquit  yourselves  like  men. 
Remember  how  your  courage  has  been  desrjised 
and  traduced  by  your  cruel  invaders,  though  they 
have  found  by  dear  experience  at  Boston,  Charks- 
town,  and  other  places,  what  a  few  brave  men, 
contending  in  their  own  land,  and  in  the  best  of 
causes,  can  do  against  hirelings  and  mercenaries. 
Be  cool,  but  determined.  Do  not  fire  at  a  dis- 
tance, but  wait  for  orders  from  your  officers." 
He  repeated  his  injunctions,  "  to  shoot  clown  any 
person  who  should  misbehave  in  action,"  and  his 
hope  "  that  none  so  infamous  would  be  found, 
but  that,  on  the  contrary,  each  for  himself  resolv- 
ing to  conquer  or  die,  and  trusting  to  the  smiles 
of  Heaven  on  so  just  a  cause,  would  behave  with 
bravery  and  resolution."  His  assurance  of  re- 
wards  to  those  who  should  distinguish  themselves, 
were  repeated, ;  and  he  declared  his  confidence, 
"  that  if  the  army  would  but  emulate  and  imitate 
their  brave  countrymen  in  other  parts  of  Amer- 
ica, they  would,  by  a  glorious  victory,  save  their 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  41 

country,  and  acquire  to  themselves  immortal  hon- 
our." 

On  the  5th.  day  after  their  landing,  the  British 
attacked  the  Americans  on  Long  Island,  com- 
manded  by  Gen.  Sullivan.  The  variety  of  ground 
and  the  different  parties  employed  in  different 
places,  both  in  the  attack  and  defence,  occasioned 
a  succession  of  small  engagements,  pursuits,  and 
slaughter,  which  lasted  for  many  hours. 

The  Americans  were  defeated  in  all  directions. 
The  circumstances  which  eminently  contributed 
to  this,  were  the  superior  discipline  of  the  assail- 
ants, and  the  want  of  early  intelligence  of  their 
movements.  There  was  not  a  single  corps  of  cav- 
alry in  the  American  army.  The  transmission  of 
intelligence  was  of  course  always  slow,  and  often 
impracticable.  From  the  want  of  it,  some  of  their 
detachments,  while  retreating  before  one  portion 
of  the  enemy,  were  advancing  toward  another,  of 
whose  movements  they  were  ignorant. 

In  the  height  of  the  engagement  Washington 
passed  over  to  Long  Island,  and  with  infinite  re- 
gret saw  the  slaughter  of  his  best  troops,  but  had 
not  the  power  to  prevent  it ;  for  had  he  drawn 
his  whole  force  to  their  support,  he  must  have 
risked  every  thing  on  a  single  engagement.  He 
adopted  the  wiser  plan  of  evacuating  the  island, 
with  all  the  forces  he  could  bring  off.  In  superin- 
tending this  necessary,  but  difficult  and  dangerous 
movement,  and  the  events  of  the  preceding  day, 
Washington  was  indefatigable.  For  forty  eight 
hours  he  never  closed  his  eyes,  and  was  almost 
constantly  on  horseback.  In  less  than  thirteen 
hours,  the  field  artillery,  tents,  baggage,  and  about 


THE  LIFE  OF 


nine  thousand  men,  were  conveyed  from  Long- 
Island  to  the  city  of  New  York,  over  East  River, 
and  without  the  knowledge  of  the  British,  though 
not  six  hundred  yards  distant.  The  darkness  of 
the  night  and  a  heavy  fog  in  the  morning,  together 
with  a  fair  wind  after  midnight,  favoured  this  re- 
treat. It  was  completed  without  interruption  some 
time  after  the  dawning  of  the  clay. 

The  unsuccessful  termination  of  the  late  action, 
led  to  consequences  more  seriously  alarming  to 
the  Americans,  than  the  loss  of  their  men.  Hith- 
erto they  had  had  such  confidence  in  themselves, 
as  engaged  in  the  cause  of  liberty  and  their  coun- 
try, that  it  outweighed  all  their  apprehensions  from 
the  exact  discipline  of  the  British  troops  ;  but 
now  finding  that  many  of  them  had  been  encircled 
in  inextricable  difficulties  from  the  superior  mili- 
tary skill  of  their  adversaries,  they  went  to  the  op- 
posite extreme,  and  began  to  think  but  very  in- 
differently of  themselves  and  their  leaders,  when 
opposed  to  disciplined  troops.  As  often  as  they 
Saw  the  enemy  approaching,  they  suspected  a  mil- 
itary  manoeuvre,  from  which  they  supposed  noth- 
ing could  save  them  but  immediate  flight.  Ap- 
prehensions of  this  kind  might  naturally  be  ex- 
pected from  citizen  soldiers,  lately  taken  from  ag- 
ricultural pursuits,  who  expected  to  lay  aside  the 
military  character  at  the  end  of  the  current  year. 
Washington,  tremblingly  alive  to  the  state  of  his 
army,  wrote  to  Congress  on  the  sixth  day  after 
the  defeat  on  Long  Island,  as  follows  ;  "  Our  sit- 
uation is  truly  distressing.  The  check  our  de- 
tachment lately  sustained  has  dispirited,  too  great 
a  proportion  of  our  troops,  uud  filled  their  minds 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  43 

with  apprehension  and  despair.  The  militia,  in- 
stead of  calling  forth  their  utmost  efforts  to  a  brave 
and  manly  opposition,  in  order  to  repair  our  losses, 
are  dismayed,  intractable,  and  impatient  to  return. 
Great  numbers  of  them  have  gone  off ;  in  some 
instances,  almost  by  whole  regiments,  in  many  by 
halt  ones,  and  by  companies  at  a  time.  This  cir- 
cumstance of  itself,  independent  of  others,  when 
fronted  by  a  well  appointed  enemy,  superior  in 
number  to  our  whole  collected  force,  would  be 
sufficiently  disagreeable;  but  when  it  is  added, 
that  their  example  has»infected  another  part  of  the 
army  ;  that  their  want  of  discipline  and  refusal  of 
almost  every  kind  of  restraint  and  government, 
have  rendered  a  like  conduct  but  too  common  in 
the  whole,  and  have  produced  an  entire  disregard 
of  that  order  and  subordination  which  is  necessa- 
ry for  an  army,  our  condition  is  still  more  alarm- 
ing ;  and  with  the  deepest  concern  I  am  obliged 
to  confess  my  want  of  confidence  in  the  generali- 
ty of  the  troops.  All  these  circumstances  fully 
confirm  the  opinion  I  ever  entertained,  and  which 
I  more  than  once  in  my  letters  took  the  liberty  of 
mentioning -to  Congress,  that  no  dependence  could 
be  put  in  a  militia,  or  other  troops  than  those  in- 
listed  and  embodied  for  a  longer  period  than  our 
regulations  have  hitherto  prescribed.  I  am  fully 
convinced  that  our  liberties  must  of  necessity  be 
greatly  hazarded,  if  not  entirely  lost,  if  their  de- 
fence be  left  to  any  but  a  permanent  army. 

"  Nor  would  the  expense  incident  to  the  sup- 
port  of  such, a  body  of  troops  as  would  be  compe- 
tent to  every  exigency,  far  exceed  that  whL-h  is 
incurred  by  calling  in  daily  succours  and  new  in- 


44  THE  LIFE  OF 

listments,  which,  when  effected,  are  not  attended 
with  any  good  consequences.  Men  who  have 
been  free  and  subject  to  no  control,  cannot  be  re- 
duced to  order  in  an  instant  ;  and  the  privileges 
and  exemptions  they  claim,  and  will  have,  influ- 
ence the  conduct  of  others  in  such  a  manner,  that 
the  aid  derived  from  them  is  nearly  counterbalanc- 
ed by  the  disorder,  irregularity,  and  confusion 
thev  occasion.". 

In  fourteen  days  after  this  serious  remonstrance, 
Congress  resolved  to  raise  eighty  eight  battalions 
to  serve  during  the  war.  *  Under  these  circum- 
stances, to  wear  away  the  campaign  with  as  little 
loss  as  possible,  so  as  to  gain  time  to  raise  a  per- 
manent army  against  the  next  year,  was  to  the 
Americans  an  object  of  the  greatest  importance. 

Gen.  Washington,  after  much  deliberation,  de- 
termined on  a  war  of  posts,  Recent  events  con- 
firmed him  in  the  policy  of  defending  his  country 
by  retreating,  when  he  could  no  longer  stand  his 
nd  without  risking  his  army.  He  well  knew 
by  adopting  it  he  would  subject  himself  to  the 
imputation  of  wanting  energy  and  decision  ;  but 
with  him  the  love  of  country  was  paramount  to  all 
other  considerations. 

In  conformity  to  these  principles,  the  evacua- 
tion of  New  York  was  about  this  time  resolved 
upon,  whensoever  it  could  no  longer  be  maintain- 
ed without  risking  the  army.  Arrangements 
were  accordingly  made  for  a  temporary  defence, 
and  an  ultimate  retreat  when  necessity  required. 
*  Jiriiishf  now  in  possession  of  Long  Island, 
could  at  pleasure  puss  over  to  York  Island  or  the 
main.  Washington  was  apprehensive  that  they 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON'.  4 

would  land  above  him,  cut  off  his  retreat,  and  force 
him  to  a  general  action  on  York  Island.  He  thero- 
fore  moved  his  public  stores  to  Dobbs'  ferry,  and 
stationed  twelve  thousand  men  at  the  northern  end 
of  York  Island.  With  the  remainder  he  kept  up 
the  semblance  of  defending  New  York,  though  he 
had  determined  to  abandon  it,  rather  than  risk  his 
army  for  its  preservation.  , 

While  Washington  was  making  arrangements 
to  save  his  troops  and  stores  by  evacuating  ann  re- 
treating, the  British  commander  was  prosecuting 
his  favourite  scheme  of  forcing  the  Americans  to 
a  general  action,  or  breaking  the  communication 
between  their  posts.  With  this  view  he  landed 
abo«;t  four  thousand  men  at  Kjpp's  Bay,  three  miles 
above  New  York,  under  cover  of  five  men  of  war. 
Works  had  been  thrown  up  at  this  place,  which 
were  capable  of  being  defended  for  some  time,  ;md 
troops  were  stationed  in  them  for  that  purpose  ; 
but  they  fled  with  precipitation  without  waiting 
for  the  approach  of  the  enemy.  Two  brigades 
were  put  in  motion  to  support  them.  Gen.  Wash- 
ington rode  to  the  scene  of  action,  and  to  his  great 
mortification 'met  the  whole  party  retreating.  While 
he  was  exerting  himself  to. rally  them,  on  the  ap- 
pearance of  a  small  corps  of  the  enemy,  they  again 
broke,  and  ran  off  in  disorder.  Such  dastardly 
conduct  raised  a  tempest  in  the  usually  tranquil 
mind  of  Gen.  Washington.  Having  embarked  in 
the  American  cause  from  the  purest  principles,  he 
viewed  with  infinite  concern  this  shameful  behav- 
iour, as  threatening  ruin  to  his  country.  He  recol- 
lected the  many  declarations  of  Congress,  of  the  ar- 
my, and  of  the  inhabitants,  preferring  liberty 


46  THE  LIFE  OF 

and  death  to  dishonour,  and  contrasted  them  with 
their  present  scandalous  flight.  His  soul  was  har- 
rowed up  with  apprehensions  that  his  country 
would  be  conquered,  her  arm}*  disgraced,  and  her 
liberties  destroyed.  He  anticipated,  in  imagina- 
tion, that  the  Americans  would  appear  to  posteri- 
ty in  the  light  of  high  sounding  boasters,  who  blus- 
tered when  danger  was  at  a  distance,  but  shrunk 
at  the  shadow  of  opposition.  Extensive  confisca- 
tions, and  numerous  attainders,  presented  them- 
selves in  full  view  to  his  agitated  mind.  He  saw 
in  imagination  new  formed  states,  with  the  means 
of  defence  in  their  hands,  and  the  glorious  pros- 
pects of  liberty  before  them,  levelled  to  the  dust ; 
and  such  constitutions  imposed  on  them,  as  ,^v*ere 
likely  to  crush  the  vigour  of  the  human  mind ; 
while  the  unsuccessful  issue  of  the  present  strug- 
gle would,  for  ages  to  come,  deter  posterity  from 
the  bold  design  of  asserting  their  rights.  Im- 
pressed with  these  ideas,  he  hazarded  his  person 
for  some  considerable  time  in  rear  of  his  own  men, 
and  in  front  of  the  enemy,  with  his  horse's  head 
toward  the  latter,  as  if  in  expectation  that,  by  an 
honourable  death,  he  might  escape  the  infamy  he 
dreaded  from  the  dastardly  conduct  of  troops  on 
whom  he  could  place  no  dependence.  His  aids, 
and  the  confidential  friends  around  his  person,  by 
indirect  violence,  compelled  him  to  retire.  In 
consequence  of  their  address  and  importunity,  a 
life  was  saved  for  public  service,  which,  other- 
wise, from  a  sense  of  honour  and  a  gust  of  pas- 
.sion,  seemed  to  be  devoted  to  almost  certain  de- 
struction. 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON;  47 

The  shameful  events  of  this  day,  hastened  the 
evacuation  of  New  York.  This  was  effected  with 
very  little  loss  of  men,  but  all  the  heavy  artillery 
and  a  large  portion  of  the  baggage,  provisions, 
military  stores,  and  particularly  the  tents,  were 
unavoidably  left  behind.  The  loss  of  the  last 
mentioned  article  was  severely  felt  in.  that  season, 
when  cold  weather  was  rapidly  approaching. 

The  British  having  got  possession  of  the  city 
of  New  York,  advanced  in  front  of  it,  and  stretch- 
ed their  encampments  across  York  Island ;  while 
their  shipping  defended  their  flanks.  Washington 
had  made  his  strongest  post  at  Kingsbridge,  as 
that  preserved  his  communication  with  the  coun- 
try. In  front  of  this,  and  near  to  the  British,  he 
had  a  strong  detachment  posted  in  an  intrenched 
camp.  This  position  of  the  two  armies  was  par- 
ticularly agreeable  to  him ;  for  he  wished  to  ac- 
custom his  raw  troops  to  face  their  enemies,  hop- 
ing that  by  frequent  skirmishes  they  would  grow 
so  familiar  with  the  dangers  incident  to  war,  as  to 
fear  them  less.  Opportunities  of  making  the  ex- 
periment soon  occurred.  On  the  day  after  the 
retreat  from  New  York,  a  skirmish  took  place  be- 
tween an  advanced  detachment  of  the  British  army 
and  some  American  troops,  commanded  by  Col. 
Knowlton,  of  Connecticut,  and  Major  Leitch,  of 
Virginia.  Both  these  officers  fell,  bravely  fighting 
at  the  head  of  their  troops.  The  captains  with 
their  men  kept  the  ground,  and  fairly  beat  their 
adversaries  from  the  field.  This  was  the 'first  ad- 
vantage the  army  under  the  command  of  Wash- 
ington had  gained  in  the  campaign.  Its  influence 
on  the  army  was  great.  To  increase  its  effects, 


43 


THE  LIFE  OF 


the  parole  the  next  day  was  "  Leitch,"  and  the 
General  gave  public  thanks  to  the  troops  engaged 
therein.  He  contrasted  their  conduct  with  the 
late  shameful  flight  of  the  troops  from  the  works 
on  Kipp's  Bay,  and  observed,  "That  the  result 
proved  what  might  be  done,  where  officers  and 
men  exerted  themselves ;"  and  again  called  on  all 
"  so  to  act  as  not  to  disgrace  the  noble  cause  in 
which  they  were  engaged." 

General  Howe  continued  to  prosecute  his  scheme 
for  cutting  off  Washington's  communication  with 
the  eastern  states,  and  enclosing  him  so  as  to  com- 
pel a  general  engagement.  With  this  view  the 
royal  army  landed  on  Frog's  Neck,  in  West  Ches- 
ter county,  and  soon  after  advanced  to  New  Ro- 
chelle,  and  made  sundry  successive  movements, 
all  calculated  to  effect  this  purpose.  A  few  skir- 
mishes took  place,  but  a  general  action  was  care- 
fully avoided  by  Washington,  except  in  one  case 
in  which  he  had  such  a  manifest  advantage  from 
his  position  on  hills  near  the  White  Plains,  that. 
Gen.  Howe  declined  it.  The  project  of  getting 
in  the  rear  of  the  American  army  was  in  like  man- 
ner frustrated  by  frequent  and  judicious  changes 
of  its  position.  Gen.  Howe  failing  in  his  first  de- 
sign, adopted  a  new  plan  of  operations.  His  efforts 
were  henceforward  directed  to  an  invasion  of  New 
Jersey.  Washington,  penetrating  his  designs,  cross- 
ed the  North  River.  He  wrote  to  William  Liv- 
ingston, governor  of  New  Jersey,  urging  him  to 
put  the  militia  of  that  State  in  the  best  state  of 
preparation  to  defend  their  country,  and  also  rec- 
ommend ng  the  removal  of  stock  and  provisions 
from  the  sea  coast.  Auout  this  time  Fort  Wabh- 


CEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

ington  was  taken  by  storm,  and  the  garrison,  con- 
sisting of  more  than  two  thousand  men,  with  their 
commander,  Col.  Magaw,  surrendered  prisoners 
of  war.  This  was  the  only  post  held  by  the  Amer- 
icans on  York  Island ;  and  was  an  exception  to 
the  general  plan  of  evacuating  and  retreating. 
Hopes  had  been  indulged  that  it  might  be  defend- 
ed, and  in  conjunction  with  Fort  Lee,  on  the  op- 
posite Jersey  shore,  made  useful  in  embarrassing 
the  passage  of  British  vessels  up  and  down  the 
North  River.  This  post  having  fallen,  orders  for 
the  evacuation  of  Fort  Lee  were  immediately  giv- 
en ;  but  before  the  stores  could  be  removed,  Lord 
Cornwallis  crossed  the  North  River  with  six  thou- 
sand men.  Washington  retreating  before  him, 
took  post  along  the  H  ickensack.  His  situation 
there  was  nearly  similar  to  that  which  he  had  aban- 
doned ;  for  he  was  liable  to  be  enclosed  between  the 
Hackensack  and  the  Pasaic  rivers.  He  therefore, 
on  the  approach  of  the  enemy,  passed  over  to  New- 
ark. He  stood  his  ground  there  for  some  days, 
as  if  determined  on  resistance;  but  being  incapa- 
ble of  any  effectual  opposition,  retreated  to  Brims- 
wick,  on  the  dav  Lord  Cornwallis  entered  Newark* 
At  Brunswick  Washington  kept  his  troops  in  mo- 
tion, and  even  advanced  a  small  detachment,  as  if 
intending  to  engage  the  enemy.  Nor  did  he  quit 
this  position  till  their  advanced  guards  were  in 
sight.  Lord  Stirling  was  left  at  Princeton  w;.h 
twelve  hundred  men,  to  watch  the  British ;  and 
Washington  proceeded  with  the  residue  to  Tren- 
ton. There  he  meant  to  make  a  stand  Orders 
were  previously  given  to  collect  and  guard  all  the 
boats  for  seventy  miles  on  the  Delaware*  The 
6 


3*  THE  LIFE  OF 

baggage  and  stores  were  also  passed  over.  These 
being -secured,  Washington  detached  twelve  hun- 
dred men  to  Princeton,  to  keep  up  the  appearance 
6f  opposition,  and  soon  followed  with  about  two 
thousand  militia  men  who  had  recently  joined  him. 
Before  he  reached  Princeton,  intelligence  was  re- 
ceived that  Lord  Oornwallis,  strongly  reinforced, 
was  advancing  from  Brunswick  in  different  direc- 
tions, with  the  apparent  design  of  getting  in  his 
rear.  An  immediate  retreat  over  the  Delaware 
became  necessary.  This  was  effected  on  the 
8th.  of  December.  Washington  secured  all  his 
boats  on  the  Pennsylvania  side ;  broke  down  the 
bridges  on  roads  leading  to  the  opposite  shores, 
and  posted  his  troops  at  the  different  fording  places. 
So  keen  was  the  pursuit,  that  as  the  rear  guard 
of  the  retreating  army  embarked,  the  van  of  the 
enemy  came  in  sight.  The  British  having  driven 
the  American  army  out  of  Jersey,  posted  them- 
selves up  and  down  the  Delaware,  and  small  par- 
ties passed  and  repassed  from  one  to  the  other, 
without  any  interruption.  They  made  some  at- 
tempts to  get  boats,  but  failed.  They  also  repair- 
ed some  of  the  bridges  that  had  been  recently  de- 
stroyed, and  pushed  forward  a  strong  detachment 
to  Bordenton.  This  was  intended  to  increase  their 
chances  for  crossing,  and  to  embarrass  Washington, 
who  could  not  tell  from  which  of  thtair  several  po- 
sitions they  would  make  the  attempt.  Gen.  Put- 
nam was  in  the  mean  time  sent  on  to  superintend 
the  erection  of  lines  of  defence  from  the  Schuylkill 
to  the  Delaware,  for  the  security  of  Philadelphia, 
Small  redoubts  were  hastily  thrown  up  to  guard 
ffae  fording  places  ;  and  Germantown  was  fixed 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  3yi 

upon  as  a  place  of  rendezvous,  in  case  the  British 
should  cross  and  drive  the  Americans  from  their 
extended  encampments  on  the  Delaware.     This 
retreat  through  the  Jerseys  was  attended  with  al- 
most every  circumstance  that  could  occasion  em- 
barrassment or   depression.        Washington    was 
pressed  with  difficulties  on  all  sides.     In  casting 
his  eyes  around,  he  could  not  promise  himself  adr 
equate   support  from   any  quarter.     His  gloomy- 
prospects  were  not  brightened  by  any  expectations, 
on  the  fulfilment  of  which  he  could  depend.     Dis- 
trusting, but  not  despairing,  he  asked  Col.  Reed, 
"  Should  we  retreat  to  the  back* parts  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, will  the  Pcnnsylvani  mis  support  us  ?"  The 
Colonel  answered,  "  If  the  lower  counties  are  sub- 
dued and  give  up,  the  back  counties  will  do  the 
same."     Washington  nobly  replied,  u  We  must 
retire  to  Augusta  county,  in  Virginia.     Numbers 
will  be  obliged  to  repair  to  us  for  safety,  and  we 
must  try  what  we  can  do,  in  carrying  on  a  preda- 
tory war  ;  and  if  overpowered,  we  must  cross  the 
Alleghany    mountains."     Gen.    Washington   hud 
no  cavalry   but  a  small  corps  of  badly  mounted 
Connecticut  militia,  and  was  almost  equally  desti- 
tute of  artillery,  while  conducting  this  retreat.     It 
commenced  in  a    few  days  after  the   reduction 
Fort    Washington,    in   which   the  flower   of  the 
American  army  were  made  prisoners  of  war.     A 
great  part  of  the  retreating  troops  consisted  of 
those  who  had  garrisoned  Fort  Lee.     These  had 
been  compelled  to  abandon  their  post'so  sudden- 
ly, that  they  left  behind  them  their  tents,  blankets, 
and  cooking  utensils.     In  this  situation  they  re- 
treated, badly  armed,   worse  clad,  and  in  many 


52  THE  LIFE  OF 

instances  barefooted,  in  the  cold  months  of  No- 
vember and  December,  through  a  desponding? 
country,  more  disposed  to  seek  safety  by  submis- 
sion than  resistance.  Under  all  these  disadvan- 
tages, they  performed  a  march  of  about  ninety 
miles,,  and  had  the  address  to  prolong  it  to  a  space 
6f  nineteen  days,  that  as  much  time  as  possible 
might  be  gained  for  expected  reinforcements  to 
arrive.  As  they  retreated  through  the  country, 
scarcely  one  of  the  inhabitants  joined  them  ;  while 
numbers  daily  flocked  to  the  British  army,  and 
took  the  benefit  of  a  royal  proclamation  issued  at 
this  critical  time,  for  pardoning  all  who,  within  six- 

tv  days,  would  return  to  the  condition  of  British 

*       . 

subjects. 

The  small  force  which  began  this  retreat  was 
daily  lessening,  by  the  expiration  of  the  term  of 
service  for  which  they  were  engaged.  This  ter- 
minated in  November  with  many,  and  in  Decem- 
ber with  nearly  two  .thirds  of  the  residue*  No 
persuasions  were  availing  to  induce  their  continu- 
ance. They  abandoned  their  General,  when  the 
advancing  enemy  was  nearly  in  sight.  The  Penn- 
sylvania militia  was  engaged  to  the  first  day  of 
January,  but  they  deserted  in  such  numbers  that 
it  became  necessary  to  place  guards  at  the  ferries 
to  stop  them.  Two  regiments  had  been  ordered 
from  Ticonderoga  to  join  Gen.  Washington,  but 
their  term  of  service  expired  on  the  first  of  De-? 
•cember.  They  refused  to  reinlist,  and  went  off, 
to  a  man.  Gen.  Lee,  who  commanded  the  east- 
ern troops,  was  repeatedly  ordered  by  Washing- 
ton to  cross  the  North  River,  and  join  the  retreat- 
ing army  ;  but  these  orders  were  not  obeyed. 


CJEOKGF.  WASHINGTON. 


53 


While  at  a  distance  both  from  his  troops  and  the 
enemy,  he  was  surprised  and  taken  prisoner  by  the 
British.  This  begat  suspicions,  that,  despairing 
of  the  success  of  the  Americans,  he  had  chosen  to 
abandon  their  service.  Though  these  apprehen- 
sions were  without  foundation,  they  produced  the 
same  mischievous  effects  on  the  minds  of  the  peo- 
ple as  if  they  were  realities.  About  the  same 
time  Congress  thought  it  expedient  to  leave  Phi- 
ladelphia and  retire  to  Baltimore. 

Under  all  these  trying  circumstances,  Washing- 
ton was  undismayed.  He  did  not  despair  of  the 
public  safety.  With  unconquerable  firmness  and 
the  most  perfect  self  possession,  he  was  always  the 
same,  and  constantly  showed  himself  to  his  army 
with  a  serene  and  undisturbed  countenance.  Noth- 
ing was  omitted  by  him  that  could  embarrass  the 
enemy,  or  animate  his  army  and  country.  He 
forcibly  pointed  out  to  Congress  the  defective  con- 
stitution of  their  army,  without  cavalry,  without, 
artillery  and  engineers  ;  and  enlarged  upon  the 
impolicy  of  short  inlistments,  and  placing  conii. 
deuce  in  militia  suddenly  called  out  and  frequent- 
ly changed.  He  urged  these  matters  with  great 
warmth  ;  but  to  prevent  offence,  added,  "  A  char- 
acter to  lose;  an  estate  to -forfeit  ;  the  inestima- 
ble blessing  of  liberty  at  stake  ;  and  a  life  devoted, 
must  be  my  excuse."  He  also  hinted  at  the  pro- 
priety of  enlarging  his  powers  so  as  to  enable  him 
to  act  in  cases  of  urgency,  without  application  to 
Congress  ;  but  apologized  for  this  hbertv  by  de- 
claring, "  that  he  felt  no  lust  of  power,  and  wish- 
ed/vvith  die  greatest  fervency  for  an  opportunity  of 
turning  the  sword  into  a  ploughshare  j?'  but  add* 


ed,  "  his  feelings  as  an  officer  and  a  man  had  been 
such  as  to  force  him  to  say,  that  no  person  ever 
had  a  greater  choice  of  difficulties  to  contend  with 
tj-jan  himself." 

In  this  very  dangerous  crisis,  Washington 
made  every  exertion  to  procure  reinforcements  to- 
supply  the  place  of  those  who  were  daily  leaving 
him.  He  sent  Generals  Mifflin  and  Armstrong 
to  rouse  the  citizens  of  Pennsylvania.  Col.  Reed 
was  despatched  to  Governor  Livingston,  to  urge 
on  him  the  necessity  of  calling  out  the  Jersey  mi- 
litia. These  exertions  were  in  a  great  measure 
unavailing,  except  in  and  near  the  city  of  Phila- 
delphia. Fifteen  hundred  of  the  citizens  of  that 
metropolis  associated  together,  and  marched  to 
the  aid  of  Washington.  Though  most  oi'  these 
-were  accustomed  to  the  habits  of  a  city  life,  they 
slept  in  tents,  barns,  and  sometimes  in  the  open 
.air,  during  the  cold  months  of  December  and  Jan- 
uary. 

On  the  capture  of  Gen.  Lee,  the  command  of 
his  army  devolved  on  Gen.  Sullivan,  who,  in  obe- 
dience to  the  orders  formerly  given,  joined  Gen, 
Washington.  About  the  same  time  an  addition 
•was  made  to  his  force  by  the  arrival  of  a  part  of 
the  northern  army.  The  Americans  now  amount- 
ed to  about  seven  thousand  men,  though  during 
the  retreat  through  the  Jerseys,  they  were  seldom 
equal  to  half  that  number.  The  two  armies  were 
separated  from  each  other  by  the  river  Delaware. 
The  British,  in  the  security  of  conquest,  canton- 
ed their  troops  in  Burlington,  Bordenton,  Trenton, 
and  other  towns  of  New  Jersey,  in  cLily  expecta- 
tion of  being  enabled  to  cross  into 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  OS 

by  means  of  ice,  which  is  generally  formed  about 
that  time.  On  receiving  information  of  their  num- 
bers and  different  cantonments,  Washington  ob- 
served, "  Now  is  the  time  to  clip  their  wings, 
when  they  are  so  spread."  Yielding  to  his  native 
spirit  of  enterprise  which  had  hitherto  been  re- 
pressed, he  formed  the  bold  design  of  recrossing 
the  Delaware,  and  attacking  the  British  posts  on 
its  eastern  banks. 

In  the  evening  of  Christmas  day  he  made  ar- 
rangements for  passing  over  in  three  divisions  ;  at 
M'Konkey's  ferry,  at  Trenton,  and  at  or  near  Bor- 
denton.  The  troops  which  were  to  have  crossed 
at  the  two  last  places  exerted  themselves  to  get 
over,  but  failed  from  the  quantity  of  ice  which  ob- 
structed their  passage.  The  main  body,  about 
two  thousand  four  hundred  men,  began  to  cross 
very  early  in  the  evening  ;  but  were  so  retarded  by 
ice  that  it  was  nearly  four  o'clock  in  the  morning, 
before  they  were  in  a  condition  to  take  up  their 
line  of  march  on  the  Jersey  side.  They  were 
formed  in  two  divisions.  One  was  ordered  to  pro- 
ceed on  the  lower  or  river  road  ;  the  other  on  the 
upper  or  Pennington  road.  These  having  nearly 
the  same  distance  to  march,  were  ordered  imme- 
diately on  forcing  the  Out  guards,  to  push  directly 
into  Trenton,  that  they  might  charge  the  enemy 
before  they  had  time  to  form.  Though  they 
marched  different  roads,  yet  they  arrived  within 
three  minutes  of  each  other.  The  out  guards  of 
the  Hessian  troops  at  Trenton  soon  fell  back  \  but 
kept  .up  a  constant  retreating  fire.  Their  main 
body  being  hard  pressed  by  the  Americans,  who 
had  already  got  possession  of  half  their  artillery. 


THE  LTFE  OF 

attempted  to  file  off  by  a  road  leading  toward 
Princeton,  but  were  checked  by  a  body  of  troops 
thrown  in  their  way.  Finding  they  were  surround- 
ed, they  laid  down  their  arms.  The  number  which 
submitted  was  twenty  three  officers  and  eight  hun- 
dred and  eighty  six  men.  Between  thirty  and  for- 
ty of  the  Hessians  were  killed  and  wounded.  Col. 
Rahl  was  among  the  former,  and  seven  of  his  offi- 
cers among  the  latter.  Captain  Washington,  of 
the  Virginia  troops,  and  five  or  six  of  the  Ameri- 
cans, were  wounded.  Two  were  killed,  and  two 
or  three  were  frozen  to  death.  The  detachment 
in  Trenton  consisted  of  the  regiments  of  Rahl,  Los- 
berg,  and  Kniphuuscn,  amounting  in  the  whole  to 
about  fifteen  hundred  men,  and  a  troop  of  British 
light  horse.  Ail  these  were  killed  or  captured, 
except  about  six  hundred,  who  escaped  by  the  road 
leading  to  Bordenton 

The  British  had  a  strong  battalion  of  light  infan- 
try at  Princeton,  and  a  force  yet  remaining  near 
the  Delaware,  superior  to  the  American  army. 
Washington,  therefore,  in  the  evening  of  the  same 
day,  thought  it  most  prudent  to  cross  into  Penn- 
sylvania with  his  prisoners.  These  being  secur- 
ed, he  recrossed  the  Delaware,  and  took  posses- 
sion of  Trenton.  The  detachments  which  had 
been  distributed  over  New  Jersey  previous  to  the 
capture  of  the  Hessians,  immediately  after  that 
event  assembled  at  Princeton,  and  were  joined  by 
the  army  from.  Brunswick  under  Lord  Cornwaliis. 
From  this  position  they  came  forward  to  Trenton 
iii  great  force,  hoping,  by  a  vigorous  onset,  to  re- 
pair the  injury  their  cause  had  busuined  by  the 
late  defeat. 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  57 

Truly  delicate  was  the  situation  of  /the  feeble 
American  army.  To  retreat  was  to  hazard  the  city 
of  Philadelphia,  and  to  destroy  every  ray  of  hope 
which  began  to  dawn  from  their  late  success.  To 
risk  an  action  with  a  superior  force  in  front,  and 
a  river  in  rear,  was  dangerous  in  the  extreme. 
To  get  round  the  advanced  party  of  the  British, 
and,  by  pushing  forwards,  to  attack  in  their  rear, 
was  deemed  preferable  to  either.  The  British,  on 
their  advance  from  Princeton,  attacked  a  body 
of  Americans  which  were  posted  with  four  field 
pieces  a  little  to  the  northward  of  Trenton,  and 
compelled  them  to  retreat.  The  pursuing  British 
being  checked  at  the  bridge  over  Sanpink  creek 
by  some  field  pieces,  fell  back  so  far  as  to  be  out 
of  their  reach.  The  Americans  were  drawn  up 
on  the  opposite  side  of  the  creek,  and  in  that  po- 
sition remained  till  night,  canonading  the  enemy 
and  receiving  their  fire.  In  this  critical  hour,  two 
armies,  on  which  the  success  or  failure  of  the 
American  revolution  materially  depended,  were 
crowded  into  the  small  village  of  Trenton,  and  only 
separated  by -a  creek,  in  many  places  fordable. 

The  British,  believing  they  had  all  the  advan- 
tages they  could  wish  for,  and  that  they  could  use 
them  when  they  pleased,  discontinued  ail  farther 
operations,  and  kept  themselves  in  readiness  to 
make  the  attack  next  morning.  But  the  next 
morning  presented  a  scene  as  brilliant  on  the  one 
side,  as  it  was  unexpected  on  the  other.  Soon 
after  it  became  dark,  Washington  ordered  all  his 
baggage  to  be  silently  removed,  and  having  left 
gu.irds  for  the  purpose  of  deception,  nvtrched  with 
his  whole  force  by  a  cuouiious  route  to  Princeton* 


THE  LIFE  OF 

This  manoeuvre  was  determined  upon  in  a  council 
of  war,  from  a  conviction  that  it  would  avoid  the 
appearance  of  a  retreat,  and  at  the  same  time  the 
hazard  of  an  action  in  a  bad  position,  and  that  it 
was  the  most  likely  way  to  preserve  the  city  of 
Philadelphia  from  falling  into  the  hands  of  the 
British.  Washington  also  presumed,  that,  from 
an  eagerness  to  efface  the  impressions  made  by 
the  late  capture  of  the  Hessians  at  Trenton,  the 
British  commanders  had  pushed  forward  their 
principal  force  ;  and  that  the  remainder  in  the  rear 
at  Princeton,  was  not  more  than  equal  to  his  own. 
'The  event  verified  this  conjecture.  The  more 
effectually  to  disguise  the  departure  of  the  Amer- 
icans from  Trenton,  fires  were  lighted  up  in 
front  of  their  camp.  These  not  only  gave  an 
appearance  of  going  to  rest,  but,  as  flame  can* 
not  be  seen  through,  concealed  from  the  British 
what  was  transacting  behind  them.  In  this  rela- 
tive position  they  were  a  pillar  of  fire  to  the  one 
army,  and  the  pillar  of  a  cloud  to  the  other.  Prov- 
idence favoured  this  movement  of  the  Americans. 
The  weather  had  been  for  some  time  so  warm  and 
moist  that  the  ground  was  soft,  and  the  roads  so 
deep  as  to  be  scarcely  passable ;  but  the  wind 
suddenly  changed  to  the  northwest,  and  the  ground 
in  a  short  time  was  frozen  so  hard  that  when  the 
Americans  took  up  their  line  of  march,  they  were 
no  more  retarded  than  if  they  had  been  upon  a 
solid  pavement. 

Washington  reached  Princeton  early  in  the  monv 
ing,  and  would  have  completely  surprised  the  Brit- 
ish, had  not  a  party  which  was  on  their  way  to 
Treiuou  descried  his  troops  when  they  were  about 


WASHINGTON.  35 

. 

two  miles  distant,  and  sent  back  couriers  to  alarm 
their  unsuspecting  fellow  soldiers  in  their  rear* 
These  consisted  of  ihe  ,17th.  the  40th.  and  55th. 
regiments  of  British  infantry,  and  some  of  the  roy- 
al artillery,  with  two  fit -Id  pieces,  and  three  troops 
of  light  dragoons.  The  centre  of  the  Americans, 
consisting  of  the  Philadelphia  militia,  while  on 
their  line  of  march,  was  briskly  charged  by  a  par- 
ty of  the  British,  and  gave  Win7  hi  disorder.  The 
moment  was  critical.  Washington  pushed  for- 
ward, and  placed  himself  between  his  own  men 
and  the  British,  with  his  horse's  head  fronting  the 
latter.  The  .Americans,  eqcouraged  by  his  exam- 
ple and  exhortations,  made  a  stand,  and  returned 
the  British  fire.  The  General,  though  between 
boih  parties,  was  providentially  uninjured  by  eith- 
er. A  party  of  the  British  fled  into  the  college, 
and  were  there  attacked  with  field  pieces,  which 
were  fired  into  it.  The  seat  of  the  muses  became 
for  some  time  the  scene  of  action.  The  party 
which  had  taken  refuge  in  the  college,  after  receiv- 
ing a  few  discharges  from  the  American  field 
pieces,  came  out  and  surrendered  themselves  pris- 
oners of  war.  In  the  course  of  the  engagement 
sixty  of  the  British  were  killed,  and  a  great  num- 
ber wounded,  and  about  three  hundred  of  them 
taken  prisoners.  The  rest  made  their  escape,  some 
by  pushing  on  to  Trenton ;  others  by  returning 
to  Brunswick. 

While  they  were  fighting  in  Princeton,  the  Brit- 
is'h  in  Trenton  were  under  arms,  and  on  the  point 
of  making  an  assault  on  the  evacuated  camp  of  the 
Americans.  With  so  much  address  had  the  move- 
ment to  Princeton  been  conducted,  that  though 


t)U  THE  LIFE  OF 

from  the  critical  situation  of  the  two  armies  every 
ear  may  be  supposed  to  have  been  open,  and  every 
watchfulness  to  have  been  employed,  yet  Wash- 
ington moved  completely  off  the  ground  with  his 
whole  force,  stores,  baggage,  and  artillery,  un- 
known to  and  unsuspected  by  his  adversaries. 
The  British  in  Trenton  were  so  entirely  deceived, 
that  when  they  heard  the  report  of  the  artillery  at 
Princeton,  though  it  was  in  the  depth  of  winter, 
they  supposed  it  to  be  thunder. 

The  British,  astonished  at  these  bold  movements 
of  an  enemy  supposed  to  be  vanquished,  instant- 
ly fell  back  with  their  whole  force,  and  abandon- 
ed every  post  they  held  to  the  southward  of  New- 
York,  except  Brunswick  and  Am  boy. 


Ci  EORGE  WAS  HI  XG  TOX. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


CAMPAIGN   OF  1777. 

Of  the  operations  of  General  Washington  in  New  Jersey  and  Pennsyl- 
vania, in  the  campaign  of  1777 The  battles  of  Bnuulywine  and  Ger- 

mantown Washington  is  advist-d   by  the  Rev.  Jacob  Duche,  to  give 

up  the  contest The   distresses  of  the  American   army Its  winter 

quarters  in  Valley  Forge Gen.  Washington  is  assailed  by  the  clam- 
ours of  discontented  individuals  and  public  bodies,  and  by  the  designs 
of  a  faction  to  supersede  him  in  his  office  as  commander  in  chief. 


THE  victories  at  Trenton  and  Princeton  produced 
the  most  extensive  effects,  and  had  a  decided  in- 
fluence on  subsequent  events.  Philadelphia  was 
saved  for  .that  winter.  Jersey  was  recovered. 
The  drooping  spirits  of  the  Americans  were  re- 
vived. '  The  gloomy  apprehensions  which  had 
lately  prevailed,  of  their  being  engaged  in  a  hope- 
less cause,  yielded  to  a  confidence  in  their  Gener- 
al and  their  army,  and  in  the  ultimate  success  of 
their  struggles  for  liberty  and  independence.  So 
strong  an  impulse  was  given  to  the  recruiting  ser- 
vice in  every  part  of  the  United  Suites,  ah  gave 
good  ground  to  hope  that  the  commander  in  chi^f 
would  be  enabled  to  take  the  field  111  the  b 
7 


62  THE  LIFE  OF 

with  a  permanent  regular  army,  on  the  new  terms 
of  inlistment. 

After  the  campaign  had  been  thus  carried  into 
the  month  of  January,  Washington  retired  to  Mor- 
ristown,  that  he  might  afford  shelter  to  his  suffer- 
ing  army.  His  situation  there  was  far  from  being 
eligible.  His  force  for  some  considerable  time 
\vas  trifling,  when  compared  with  that  of  the  Brit- 
ish ;  but  the  enemy  and  his  own  countrymen  be- 
lieved the  contrary.  Their  deception  was  cherish- 
ed and  artfully  continued  by  the  parade  of  a  large 
army.  Washington  placed  his  officers  in  posi- 
tions of  difficult  access,  and  they  kept  up  a  con- 
stant communication  with  each  other.  This  se- 
cured them  from  insult  and  surprise.  While  they 
covered  the  country,  they  harassed  the  foraging 
parties  of  the  British,  and  confined  them  to  narrow 
limits. 

The  remainder  of  the  winter  season  passed  over 
in  a  light  war  of  skirmishes.  These  were  gener- 
ally in  favour  of  the  Americans  ;  but  Washing- 
ton's views  were  much  more  extensive.  He  hop- 
ed that  his  country.,  encouraged  by  the  late  suc- 
cesses at  Trenton  and  Princeton,  would  have  plac- 
ed at  his  disposal  a  large  and  efficient  army,  equal 
to  that  of  the  enemy.  To  obtain  it,  he  urged  with 
great  earnestness  the  advantage  of  being  enabled 
to  undertake  decisive  operations  before  reinforce'-, 
ments  to  the  ivntLsh  army  should  arrive.  Con- 
gress, at  his. instance,  passed  the  requisite  resolu- 
tions ;  but  these  could  not  be  carried  into  effect 
•without  the  aid  of  the  state  legislatures.  The  de- 
lays incident  to  this  slow  mode  of  doing  business, 
added  to  the  recollection  of  the  suffering  of  the 


GKORGE  WASHINGTON: 


63 


troops  in  the  last  campaign,  retarded  the  recruit- 
ing service.  Washington  with  infinite  reluctance 
was  obliged  to  give  up  his  favourite  project  of  an 
early  active  campaign. 

In  the  advance  of  the  spring,  when  recruits  were, 
obtained,  a  difficulty,  arose  in  assembling  them 
from  the  different  states  in  which  they  had  been 
inlistcd.  As  the  British  had  possession  of  the 
ocean,  they  could  at  pleasure  transfer  the  war  to 
any  maritime  portion  of  the  union.  Each  state, 
anxious  for  its  particular  safety,  claimed  protection 
from  the  common  army  of  the  whole.  Had  they 
been  indulged,  the  feeble  remnant  under  the  im- 
mediate direction  of  the  commander  in  chief, 
would  have  been  unequal  to  any  great  enterprise. 
To  these  partial  calls  he  opposed  all  his  authority 
and  influence,  arid  his  pointed  representations  made 
an  impression  in  favour  of  primary  objects.  These 
were  to  prevent  the  British  from  getting  possession 
of  Philadelphia,  or  the  Highlands  on  the  Hudson. 
Both  were  of  so  nearly  equal  importance  to  their 
interest,  that  it  was  impossible  to  ascertain  which 
should  be  preferred  by  Sir  William,  Howe.  In 
this  uncertainty,  Washington  made  such  an  ar- 
rangement of  his  troops  as  would  enable  him  to 
oppose  either.  The  northern  troops  were  divided 
between  Ticonderoga  and  Peekskill  i  while  those 
from  Jersey  and  the  south  were  en  camped  at  Mid- 
dlebrook,  near  the  Rariton.  The  American  force 
collected  at  this  strong  and  defensible  encamp- 
ment, was  nominally  between  nine  and  ten  thous- 
and men  ;  but  the  effective  rank  and  file  was  about 
six  thousand.  A  majority  of  these  were  raw  re- 


THJ:  LIFE  OF 

emits  ;  and  a  considerable  number  of  such  as  had 
been  iulisted  in  the  middle  states  were  foreigners 
©r  servants.  To  encourage  the  desertion  of  troops 
so  slightly  attached  to  the  American  cause,  Gen. 
Howe  offered  a  reward  to  every  soldier  who  would 
eonie  over  to  his  army,  and  an  additional  compen- 
sation to  such  as  would  bring  their  arms  with 
the  Fa.  To  counteract  these  propositions,  Wash- 
ington recommended  to  Congress  to  give  full  par* 
don  to  all  Americans  who  would  relinquish  the 
British  service. 

The  campaign  opened  early  in  Tune  on  the  part 
©f  the  British,  who  advanced  toward  Philadelphia 
as  far  as  Somerset  county,  in  New  Jersey  ;  but 
they  soon  fell  back  to  New  Brunswick.  After 
this  retreat,  Sir  William  Howe  endeavoured  to 
provoke  Washington  to  an  engagement,  and  left 
no  manoeuvre  untried  that  was  calculated  to  in- 
duce him  to  quit  his  position.  At  one  time  he 
appeared  as  if  he  intended  to  push  on,  without  re- 
garding  the  army  opposed  to  him.  At  another, 
he  accurately  examined  the  situation  of  the  Amer- 
ican encampment ;  hoping  that  some  unguarded 
part  might  be  found  on  which  an  attack  might  be 
made  that  would  open  the  way  to  a  general  en- 
gagement. All  these  hopes  were  frustrated. 
Washington  knew  the  full  value  of  his  situation. 
He  had  too  much  penetration  to  lose  it  from  the 
circumvention  of  military  manoeuvres,  and  too 
much  temper  to  be  provoked  to  a  dereliction  of  it. 
He  was  well  apprised  it  was  not  the  interest  of 
his  country  to  commit  its  fortune  to  a  single  ?.ic  - 
tten. 


GtiGRGti  WASHINGTON. 

Sir  William  Howe  suddenly  relinquished  his 
position  in  front  of  the  Americans,  and  retired  with 
his  whole  force  to  Amboy.  The  apparently  re- 
treating British  were  pursued  by  a  considerable 
detachment  of  the  American  army,  and  Washing, 
ton  advanced  from  Middlebrook  to  Quibble  to  wo, 
to-be  near  at  hand  for  the  support  of  his  advanced 
parties.  The  British  General  immediately  march- 
ed his  army  back  from  Arnboy,  with  great  expe- 
dition, hoping  to  bring  on  a«generaiaction  on  equal 
ground  ;  but  he  was  disappointed.  Washington 
fell  back,  and  posted  his  army  in  such  an  advan- 
tageous situation  as  compensated  for  the  inferiority 
of  his  numbers.  Sir  William  Howe  was  now  ful- 
ly convinced  of  the  impossibility  of  compelling  a 
general  engagement  on  equal  terms,  and  also  sat- 
isfied that  it  would  be  too  hazardous  to  attempt 
passing  the  Delaware  while  the*  country  was  in- 
arms, and  the  main  American  army  in  full  force  in 
his  rear.  He  therefore  returned  to  Amboy,  and 
thence  passed  over  to  Staten  Island,  resolving  to 
prosecute  the  objects  of  the  campaign  by  an  em- 
barkation of  his  whole  force  at  New  York.  Dur- 
ing the  period  of  these  movements,  the  real  de- 
signs of  Gen.  Howe  were  involved  in  obscurity. 
Though  the  season  for  military  operations  was  ad- 
vanced as  far  as  the  month  of  July,  yet  his  deter- 
minate object  could  not  be  ascertained.  Nothing 
on  his  part  had  hitherto  taken  place,  but  alternate- 
ly advancing  and  retreating,  Washington's'  em- 
barrassment on  this  account  was  increased  by  in- 
telligence which  arrived,  that  Burgoyne  was  ad- 
vaucing  in  great  force  toward  New  York  &<>rn 
Canada.  Apprehending  that  Sir  William  Howe 


Till-:  LU'K  OF 

would  ultimately  move  up  the  North  River,  and 
that  his*  movements  which  looked  southwardly 
were  feints,  the  American  chief  detached  a  'brig- 
ade to  reinforce  the  northern  division  of  his  army. 
Successive  advices  of  the  advance  of  Burgoyne  fa- 
vouied  the  idea  that  a  junction  of  the  two  royal 
armies,  near  Albany,  was  intended.  Some  move- 
ments  were  therefore  made  by  Washington  to- 
ward Peekskill,  and  on  the  other  side  toward  Tren- 
ton, while  the  main  army  was  encamped  near  tjie 
Clove,  in  readiness  to  march  either  to  the  north  or 
south,  as  the  movements  of  Sir  William  Howe 
might  require. 

After  the  British  had  left  Sandy  Hook,  they 
looked  into  the  Delaware,  and  suddenly  again  p'ut 
out  to  sea,  and  were  not  heard  of  for  near  three 
weeks,  except  that  once  or  twice  they  had  been, 
seen  near  the  coubt  steering  southwardly.  Charles- 
ton, in  South  Carolina,  was  supposed  to  be  their 
object  at  one  time  ;  at  another,  Philadelphia  by 
the  way  of  Chesapeak  ;  at  another,  the  Highlands 
6f  New  York,  to  co-operate  with  Burgoyne. 

The  perplexing  uncertainty  concerning  the  des- 
tination of  the  enemy  which  embarrassed  the 
movements  of  Washington,  was  not  done  away  be- 
fore the  middle  of  August,  when  certain  accounts 
were  received  that  the  .British  had  taken  posses- 
sion of  the  Chesapeak,  and  landed  as  near  to  Phi- 
ladelphia as  was  practicable.  While  the  object  of 
the  campaign  was  doubtful,  every  disposition  was 
made  to  defend  all  the  supposed  probable  points 
of  attack  except  Charleston,  This  bung  at  the 
distance  of  seven  or  eight  hundred  miles,  could 
riot  be  assisted  by  an  army  marching  over  land,,  in 

- 


<  i  EORG  E   V,  A  S  f !  ING  TON . 

time  to  oppose  the  enemy  conveyed  thither  by 
water.  While  this  idea  prevailed,  arrangements 
were  made  to  employ  the  American  army  either 
against  the  enemy  advancing  from  Albany,  or 
against  the  British  posts  in  New  York,  with  the 
hope  of  making  reparation  for  the  expected  loss 
of  Charleston.  As  soon  as  the  arrival  of  the  Brit- 
ish in  the  Chesapeak  was  known,  Washington  or- 
dered the  different  divisions  of  his  army  to  unite 
in  the  neighbourhood  of  Philadelphia,  toward  the 
head  of  Elk  ;  and  the  militia  of  Pennsylvania, 
Maryland,  and  the  northern  counties  of  Virginia, 
to  take  the  field.  He  had  previously  written  very 
pressing  letters  to  the  Governors  of  the  eastern 
states,  and  to  the  Generals  in  the  western  parts  of 
these  states,  to  strengthen  the  northern  army  op- 
posed  to  Burgoyne  ;  and  even  weakened  himself 
by  detaching  some  of  his  best  troops,  particularly 
Morgan's  riflemen,  on  that  important  service.  In 
the  spirit  of  true  patriotism,  he  diminished  his 
own  chances  of  acquiring  fame,  that  the  common 
cause  might  be  most  effectually  promoted  by  the 
best  disposition  of  the  forces  under  his  command, 
for  simultaneous  opposition  to  both  Howe  and 
Burgoyne. 

Washington  passed  his  army  with  every  appear- 
ance of  confidence  through  the  city  of  Philadel- 
phia, with  a  view  of  making  some  impression  on 
the  disaffected  oi"  that  c  it\ ,  and  afterward  proceed- 
ed toward  the  head  of  Elk.  About  the  same  time 
he  direct^  Gen.  Small  wood,  with  the  militia  of 
Maryland  and  Delaware,  and  some  continental 
troops,  to  hang  on  the  rear  of  the  enemy.  As  a 
substitute  for  Morgan's  riflemen,  Gen.  MaxweH 


68 


THE  LFFE  01- 


was  furnished  with  a  corps  of  light  infantry, 
Amounting  to  one  thousand  men,  and  directed  to 
anno  the  British  on  their  march  through  the 
country.  These  troops  were  afterward  reinforced 
with  Gen.  Wayne's  division.  Though  the  mili- 
tia did  not  turn  out  with  that  alacrity  which  might 
have  been  expected  from  the  energetic  calls  of 
Washington,  yet  a  respectable  force  was  assem- 
bled, which  imposed  on  Sir  William  Howe  a  ne- 
cessity of  proceeding  with  caution.  The  royal  ar- 
my set  out  from  the  eastern  heads  of  the  Chesa- 
peak  on  the  third  of  September,  with  a  spirit  which 
promised  to  compensate  for  the  various  delays 
which  had  hitherto  wasted  the  campaign.  They 
advanced  with  great  circumspection  and  boldness 
till  they  were  within  two  miles  of  the  American 
army,  which  was  then  posted  in  the  vicinity  of 
New  Port.  Washington  soon  changed  his  ground, 
and  took  post  on  the  high  ground  near  Chadd's 
Fort,  on  the  Brandy  wine  creek,  with  an  intention 
of  disputing  the  passage.  It  was  the  wish,  but  by 
no  means  the  interest,  of  the  Americans,  to  try 
their  strength  in  an  engagement.  Their  regular 
troops  were  not  only  inferior  in  discipline,  but  in 
numbers,  to  the  royal  army.  The  opinion  of  the 
inhabitants,  though  founded  on  no  circumstances 
more  substantial  than  their  wishes,  imposed  a  spe- 
cies of  necessity  on  the  American  General  to  keep 
his  army  in  front  of  the  enemy,  and  to  risk  -an  ac- 
tion for  the  security  of  Philadelphia.  Instead  of 
this,  had  he  taken  the  ridge  of  high  mountains  on 
his  right,  the  British  must  have  respected  his  num- 
bers, arid  probably  would  have  followed  him  up 
the  country.  In  this  manner  the  campaign  might 


GKOUGF,  WASHINGTON.  69 

have  been  wasted  away  in  a  manner  fatal  to  the 
invaders  ;  but  the  bulk  of  the  American  people 
were  so  impatient  of  delays,  and  had  such  an  over- 
weening conceit  of  the  numbers  and  prowess  of 
their  army,  that  they  could  not  comprehend  the. 
wisdom  and  policy  of  manoeuvres  to  shun  a  gen* 
eral  engagement. 

On  this  occasion  necessity  dictated  that  a  sacri> 
fire  should  be  made  on  the  altar  of  public  opinion, 
A  general  action  was  therefore  hazarded.  This 
took  place  at  Chadd's  Fort,  on  the  Brandywine,  a 
small  stream  which  empties  itself  into  Christiana 
creek,  near  its  conflux  with  the  river  Delaware. 

The  royal  army  advanced  at  day  break  in  two 
columns,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  General 
Kniphausen  and  Lord  Cornwallis.  They  first  took 
the  direct  road  to  Chadd's  Ford,  and  madt  a  show 
of  passing  it,  in  front  of  the  main  body  of  the 
Americans.  At  the  same  time  the  other  column 
moved  up  on  the  west  side  of  the  Brandywine  to 
its  fork,  and  crossed  both  its  branches, -and  then 
marched  down  on  the  east  side  thereof,  with  the 
view  of  turning  the  right  wing  of  their  adversa- 
ries. 

This  they  effected,  and  compelled  them  to  re- 
treat with  great  loss.  Gen.  Kniphausen  amused 
the  Americans  with  the  appearance  of  crossing  the 
Ford,  but  did  not  attempt  it  until  Lord  Cornwal- 
lis, having  crossed  above  and  moved  down  on  the 
opposite  side,  had  commenced  his  attack.  Knip- 
h  usen  then  crossed  the  Ford  and  attacked  the 
troops  posted  for  its  defence.  These,  after  a  se- 
vere ronflict,  were  compelled  to  give  way.  The 
retreat  of  the  Americans  soon  became  general,  and 


70  THE  LIFE  OF 

was  continued  to  Chester.  Their  loss  was  about 
nine  hundred,  and  considerably  exceeded  that  of 
the  British.  The  final  issue  of  battles  often  de- 
pends on  small  circumstances,  which  human  pru- 
dence cannot  control.  One  of  these  occurred 
here,  and  prevented  Gen.  Washington  from  exe- 
cuting a  bold  design,  to  effect  which  his  troops 
were  actually  in  motion.  This  was  to  cross  the 
Brandy  wine,  and  attack  Kniphausen,  while  Gen. 
Sullivan  and  Lord  Stirling  should  keep  Earl  Corn- 
waliis  in  check.  In  the  most  critical  moment 
Washington  received  intelligence  which  he,  was 
obliged  to  credit,  that  the  column  of  Lord  Corn- 
wallis  had  been  only  making  a  feint,  and  was  re- 
turning to  join  Kniphausen.  This  prevented  the 
execution  of  a  plan,  which,  if  carried  into  effect, 
would  probably  have  given  a  different  turn  to  the 
events  of  the  day. 

Washington  made  every  exertion  to  repair  the 
loss  which  had  been  sustained.  The  battle  of 
Brandy  wine  was  represented  as  not  being  decisive. 
Congress  and  the  people  wished  to  hazard  a  sec- 
ond engagement,  for  the  security  of  Philadelphia. 
Howe  sought  for  it,  and  Washington  did  not  de- 
cline it.  He  therefore  advanced  as  far  as  the  War- 
ren tavern,  on  the  Lancaster  road,  with  an  inten- 
tion of  meeting  his  adversary.  Near  that  place 
both  armies  were  on  the  point  of  engaging  with 
their  whole  force  ;  but  were  prevented  by  a  most 
violent  storm  of  rain,  which  continued  for  a  whole 
day  and  night.  When  the  rain  ceased,  the  Amer- 
icans found  that  their  ammunition  was  entirely  ra- 
ined. They  therefore  wirhdrew  to  a  pl;.:ce  of  safe- 
ty. Before  u  proper  bupr:v  was  procured,  the 


CEOHGE  WASHINGTON. 


71 


British  marched  from  their  position  near  the  White 
Horse  tavern,  down  toward  the  Swedes  Ford. 
The  Americans  again  took  post  in  their  front,  but 
the  British,  instead  of  urging  an  action,  began  to 
march  up  toward  Reading.  To  save  the  stores 
which  had  been  deposited  in  that  place,  Washing- 
ton took  a  new  position,  and  left  the  British  in  un- 
disturbed possession  of  the  roads  which  lead  to 
Philadelphia.  His  troops  were  worn  down  with  a 
succession  of  severe  duties.  There  were  in  his 
army  above  a  thousand  men  who  were  barefooted, 
and  who  had  performed  all  their  late  movements 
in  that  condition. 

Though  Washington  had  failed  in  his  object  of 
saving  Philadelphia,  yet  he  retained  the  confidence 
of  Congress  and  the  States.  With  an  army  infe- 
rior in  numbers,  discipline,  and  equipments,  he 
delayed  the  British  army  thirty  days  in  advancing 
sixty  miles  through  an  open  country,  without  for- 
tifications, and  the  waters  of  which  were  every 
where  ford  able.  Though  defeated  in  one  general 
action,  he  kept  together  his  undisciplined  and  un- 
provided army,  and  in  less  than  a  week  offered 
battle  to  his  successful  adversary.  When  this 
was  prevented  by  a  storm  of  rain  which  ruined  his 
ammunition,  while  many  of  his  soldiers  were  with- 
out bayonets,  he  extricated  them  from  the  most 
imminent  danger,  and  maintained  a  respectable 
standing.  Instead  of  immediately  retiring  into 
winter  quarters,  he  approached  the  enemy  and  en- 
camped on  the  Skippuck  road.  The  Bri-ish  ar- 
my took  iheir  stand  in  Philadelphia  and  German- 
town,  shortly  after  the  battle  of  Brandy  wine.  From 
these  positions,  especially  the  last,  considerable 


72  THE  LIFE  OF 

detachments  were  sent  to  Chester  and  the  vicini- 
ty, to  favour  an  attempt  to  open  the  navigation  of 
the  river  Delaware,  which  had  been  obstructed 
with  great  ingenuity  and  industry  by  the  Ameri- 
cans. 

About  the  same  time  the  American  army  re- 
ceived a  reinforcement  of  two  thousand  five  hun- 
dred men,  which  increased  its  effective  iorce  to 
eleven  thousand. 

General  Washington  conceived  that  the  present 
moment  furnished  a  fair  opportunity  for  enterprise. 
He  therefore  resolved  to  attack  the  British  in  Ger- 
mantown.  Their  line  of  encampment  crossed  that 
village  at  right  angles  ;  the  left  wing  extending  on 
the  west  to  the  Schuyikill.  That  wing  was  cov- 
ered in  front  and  flank  by  the  German  chasseurs. 
A  battalion  of  light  infantry,  and  the  queen's 
American  rangers,  were  in  front  of  the  right.  The 
40lh.  regiment,  with  another  battalion  of  infantry, 
was  posted  at  the  head  of  the  village.  The  Amer- 
icans moved  from  their  encampment  on  the  Skip- 
puck  road  in  the  -evening  of  the  third  of  October, 
viith  the  intention  of  surprising  their  adversaries 
early  next  morning,  and  to  attack  both  wings  in 
front  and  rear  at  the  same  time,  so  as  to  prevent 
the  several  parts  from  supporting  each  other.  The 
divisions  of  Greene  and  Stevens,  flanked  by  M'Dou- 
gal  s  brigade,  were  to  enter  by  the  lime  kiln  road. 
The  militia  of  Maryland  and  Jersey,  under  Gen- 
erals Small  wood  and  Furnian,  were  to  march  by 
the  old  York  road,  and  to  fall  upon 'the  rear  of 
their  right. 

Lord  Stirling,  with  Nashe's  and  Maxwell's  brig--' 

9  were  to  iorm  a  coipb  de  reserve.  The  Auier- 


GEORCiE  WASHINGTON.  73 

leans  began  their  attack  about  sunrise,  on  the  40th. 
regiment  and  a  battalion  of  light  infantry.  These 
being  obliged  to  retreat,  were  pursued  into  the 
village*  On  their  retreat,  Lieut.  Col.  Musgrove, 
with  six  companies,  took  post  in  Mr.  Chew's 
strong  stone  house,  which  lay  in  front  of  the 
Americans.  From  an  adherence  to  the  military 
maxim  of  never  leaving  a  fort  possessed  by  an  en- 
emy in  the  rear,  it  was  resolved  to  attack  the  par- 
ty in  the  house, 

In  the  mean  time  Gen.  Greene  got  up  with  his 
column,  and  attacked  the  right  wing.  Col.  Ma- 
thews  routed  a  party  of  the  British  opposed  to  him, 
killed  several,  and  took  one  hundred  and  ten  pris- 
oners ;  but,  from  the  darkness  of  the  day,  lost 
sight  of  the  brigade  to  which  he  belonged,  and 
having  separated  from  it,  was  taken  prisoner,  with 
hib  whole  regiment ;  and  the  prisoners  which  he 
had  previously  taken  were  released.  A  number 
of  the  troops  in  Greene's  division  were  stopped  by 
the  halt  of  the  party  before  Chew's  house.  Near 
one  half  of  the  American  army  remained  for  some 
time  at  that  place  inactive.  In  the  mean  time 
Gen.  Grey  led  on  three  battalions  of  the  third  brig- 
ade, and  attacked  with  vigour.  A  sharp  contest 
followed.  Two  British  regiments  attacked  at  the 
same  time  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  town.  Gen. 
eral  Grant  moved  up  the  49th.  regiment  to  the  aid 
of  those  who  were  engaged  with  Greene's  col- 
umn. 

The  morning  was  foggy*  This,  by  concealing 
the  true  situation  of  the  parties,  occasioned  mis- 
takes, and  made  so  much  caution  necessary  as  to 
give  the  British  time  to  recover  from  the  effects 
8 


74  THE  LIFE  OF 

of  their  first  surprise.  From  these  causes  the  ear- 
ly  promising  appearances  on  the  part  of  the  assail- 
ants were  speedily  reversed.  The  Americans  left 
the  field  hastily,  and  all  efforts  to  rally  them  were 
ineffectual.  Washington  was  obliged  to  relin- 
quish the  victory  he  had  thought  within  his  grasp, 
and  to  turn  his  whole  attention  to  the  security  of 
his  army.  A  retreat  about  twenty  miles  to  Per- 
kioming  was  made,  with  the  loss  of  only  one  piece 
of  artillery.  In  the  engagement  the  loss  of  the 
Americans,  including  the  wounded  and  four  hun- 
dred prisoners,  was  about  eleven  hundred.  A 
considerable  part  of  this  was  occasioned  by  the 
40th.  regiment,  which,  from  the  doors  and  win- 
dows of  Mr.  Chew's  large  stone  house,  kept  up  a 
constant  fire  on  their  uncovered  adversaries. 

The  plan  of  the  battle  of  Germantown  was  ju- 
dicious, and  its  commencement  well  conducted  ; 
but  to  ensure  its  successful  execution,  a  steady  co- 
operation of  the  several  divisions  of  the  assailants 
was  necessary.  The  numerous  enclosures  to  be 
passed,  and  the  thickness  of  the  fog,  rendered  this 
impossible  ;  especially  by  troops  who  were  imper- 
fectly disciplined,  and  without  the  advantages  of 
experience. 

Congress  voted  their  unanimous  thanks  "  to 
General  Washington  for  his  wise  and  well  concert- 
ed attack,  and  to  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the 
army,  for  their  brave  exertions  on  that  occasion  ;" 
and  added,  "  they  were  well  satisfied  that  the  best 
designs  and  boldest  efforts  may  sometimes  fail  by 
unforeseen  incidents." 

In  the  latter  part  of  the  campaign  of  1777,  in 
proportion  as  the  loss  of  Philadelphia  became 


OEORGE  WASHINGTON.  75 

more  probable,  Washington  took  every  precaution 
eventually  to  diminish  its  value  to  ^the  enemy. 
Orders  were  given  for  moving  the  military  stores 
and  the  vessels  at  the  wharves  of  that  city  higher 
up  the  Delaware.  From  the  time  that  the  British 
got  possession,  every  aid  consistent  with  greater 
objects  was  given  to  the  forts  constructed  on  the 
Delaware  for  opposing  the  British  in  their  attempts 
to  open  the  navigation  of  that  river.  Troops  were 
stationed  on  both  sides  of  the  Delaware  to  prevent 
the  inhabitants  from  going  with  their  provisions 
to  the  market  of  Philadelphia,  and  to  destroy  small 
.  foraging  parties  sent  out  to  obtain  supplies  for  the 
royal  army.  These  arrangements  being  made, 
Washington  advanced  toward  Philadelphia.  His 
objects  were  to  enfeeble  the  royal  army  in  their 
operations  against  the  forts  on  the  Delaware  ;  to 
attack  them  if  circumstances  favoured,  and  pre- 
vent their  receiving  ^supplies  from  the  country. 
The  British  shortly  after  evacuated  Germantown ; 
concentered  their  force  at  Philadelphia,  and  direct- 
ed their  principal  attention  to  the  opening  the  nav- 
igation of  the  Delaware.  This  employed  them 
for  more  than  six  weeks  ;  and  after  a  great  dis- 
play of  gallantry  on  both  sides,  was  finally  accom- 
plished. 

In  this  discouraging  state  of  public  affairs,  a 
long  letter  was  addressed  by  the  reverend  Jacob 
Duche,  late  chaplain  of  Congress,  and  a  clergy- 
man of  the  first  rank,  for  character,  piety,  and  elo- 
quence, to  Gen.  Washington  ;  the  purport  of 
which  was,  to  persuade  him  that  farther  resistance 
to  Great  Britain  was  hopeless,  and  would  only  in- 
crease the  calamities  of  their  common  country  ; 


THE  LIFE  OF 


and  under  "this  impression  to  urge  him  to  make 
the  best  terms  he  could  with  the  British  command- 
er, and  to  give  up  the  contest.  Such  a  letter,  at 
such  a  time,  in  unison  with  the  known  sentiments 
of  many  desponding  citizens,  from  a  person  whose 
character  and  connexions  placed  him  above  all 
suspicion  of  treachery,  and  whose  attachment  to 
his  native  country,  America,  was  unquestionable, 
could  not  have  failed  to  make  an  impression  on 
minds  of  a  feeble  texture  ;  but  from  Washington, 
who  never  despaired  of  his  country,  the  laboured 
epistle  of  the  honest,  but  timid  divine,  received  no 
farther  notice  than  a  verbal  message  to  the  writer 
thereof,  "  That  if  the  contents  of  his  letter  had 
been  known,  it  should  have  been  returned  unop- 
ened." 

While  Sir  William  Howe  was  succeeding  in 
every  enterprise  in  Pennsylvania,  intelligence  ar- 
rived that  Gen.  Burgoyne  and  his  whole  army  had 
surrendered  prisoners  of  war  to  the  Americans. 
Washington  soon  after  received  a  considerable  re- 
inforcement from  the  northern  army,  which  had 
accomplished  this  great  event.  With  this  increas- 
ed force  he  took  a  position  at  and  near  White- 
marsh.  The  royal  army  having  succeeded  in  re- 
moving the  obstructions  in  the  river  Delaware, 
were  ready  for  new  enterprises.  Sir  William 
Howe  marched  out  of  Philadelphia,  with  almost 
his  whole  force,  expecting  to  bring  on  a  general 
engagement.  The  next  morning  he  appeared  on 
Chcsnut  hill,  in  front  of,  and  about  three  miles 
distant  from  the  right  wing  of  the  Americans.  On 
the  clay  following  the  British  changed  their  ground, 
and  moved  to  the  right.  Two  days  after  they 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  77 

moved  still  farther  to  the  right,  and  made  every 
appearance  of  an  intention  to  attack  the  American 
encampment.  Some  skirmishes  took  place,  and  a 
general  action  was  hourly  expected  ;  but  instead 
thereof,  on  the  morning  of  the  next  day,  after  va- 
rious marches  and  countermarches,  the  British  fil- 
ed off  from  their  right  by  two  or  three  different 
routes,  in  full  march  for  Philadelphia. 

While  the  two  armies  were  manoeuvring,  in  con- 
stant expectation  of  an  immediate  engagement, 
Washington  rode  through  every  brigade  of  his  ar- 
my, and  with  a  firm  steady  countenance  gave  or- 
ders in  person  how  to  receive  the  enemy,  and  par- 
ticularly urged  on  his  troops  to  place  their  chief 
dependence  on  the  bayonet.  His  position,  in  a 
^military  point  of  view,  was  admirable.  He  was  so 
sensible  of  the  advantages  of  it,  that  the  manoeu- 
vres of  hir  William  Howe  for  some  days  could 
not  allure  him  from  it.  In  consequence  of  the  re- 
inforcement lately  received,  he  had  not  iif  any  pre- 
ceding period  of  the  campaign  been  in  an  equal 
condition  for  a  general  engagement.  Though  he 
ardently  wished  to  be  attacked,  yet  he  wo'uld  not 
relinquish  a  position  from  which  he  hoped  for  rep- 
aration for  the  adversities  of  the  campaign.  He 
could  not  believe  that  Gen.  Howe,  with  a  victori- 
ous army,  and  that  lately  reinforced  with  four 
thousand  men  from  New  York,  should  come  out 
of  Philadelphia  only  to  return  thither  again.  He 
therefore  presumed,  that  to  avoid  the  disgrace  of 
such  a  movement,  the  British  commander  would, 
from  a  sense  of  military  honour,  be  compelled  to 
attack  him,  though  under  great  disadvantages. 
When  he  found  him  cautious  of  engaging,  and  in- 
8* 


78  THE  LIFE  OF 

clining  to  his  left,  a  daring  design  was  formed, 
which  would  have  been  executed  had  the  British 
either  continued  in  their  position,  or  moved  a  lit- 
tle farther  to  the  left  of  the  American  army.  This 
was  to  have  attempted  in  the  night  to  surprise 
Philadelphia. 

Three  days  after  the  retreat  of  the  British, 
Washington  communicated  in  general  orders,  his 
intention  of  retiring  into  winter  quarters.  He  ex- 
pressed to  his  army  high  approbation  of  their  past 
conduct ;  gave  an  encouraging  statement  of  the 
prospects  ot  their  country  ;  exhorted  them  to  bear 
the  hardships  inseparable  from  their  situation,  and 
endeavoured  to  convince  their  judgments  that  these 
were  necessary  lor  the  public  good,  and  unavoid- 
able from  the  distressed  situation  of  the  new  form- 
ed states. 

The  same  care  to  cut  offallcommunicatioh  be- 
tween the  enemy  and  the  country  was  continued, 
and  the  ^me  means  employed  to  secure  that  ob- 
ject. Gen  Smallwood  was  detached  to  Wilming- 
ton to  guard  the  Delaware.  Col.  Morgan,  who 
had  lately  returned  from  the  victorious  northern 
army,  was  placed  on  the  lines  on  the  west  side  of 
the  Schuylkill  ;  and  Gen.  Armstrong  near  the  old 
camp  at  the  W  hitemarsh,  with  a  respectable  force 
under  the  command  of  each,  to  prevent  the  coun- 
try people  from  carrying  provisions  to  the  market 
in  Philadelphia. 

Valley  Forge,  about  twenty  five  miles  distant 
from  Philadelphia,  was  fixed  upon  for  the  winter 
quarters  of  the  Americans.  This  position  was 
preferred  to  distant  and  more  comfortable  villages, 
as  being  calculated  to  give  the  most  extensive  se- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

curity  to  the  country.  The  American  army  might 
lhave  been  tracked  by  the  blood  of  their  feet  in 
marching  without  shoes  or  stockings,  over  the 
hard  frozen  ground  between  Whitemarsh  and  the 
Valley  Forge.  Under  these  circumstances  they 
had  to  sit  down  in  a  wood  in  the  latter  end  of  De- 
cember, and  to  build  huts  for  their  accommoda- 
tion. To  a  want  of  clothing  was  added  a  want 
of  provisions.  For  some  days  there  was  little  less 
than  a  famine  in  the  camp.  Washington  was  com- 
pelled to  make  seizures  for  the  support  of  his  ar- 
my. Congress  had  authorized  him  so  to  do ;  but  he 
wished  the  civil  authority  to  manage  the  delicate 
business  of  impressment,  and  regretted  the  meas- 
ure as  subversive  of  discipline,  and  calculated  to 
raise  in  the  soldiers  a  disposition  to  licentiousness 
and  plunder.  To  suffer  his  army  to  starve  or  dis- 
band, or  to  feed  them  by  force,  were  the  only  alter- 
natives offered  to  his  choice.  Though  he  exercis- 
ed these  extraordinary  powers  with  equal  reluc- 
tance and  discretion,  his  lenity  was  virtually  cen- 
sured by  Congress,  "as  proceeding  from  a  "deli- 
cacy in  exerting  military  authority  on  the  citizens, 
which,  in  their  opinion,  might  prove  prejudicial  to 
the  general  liberties  of  America ;"  at  the  same 
time  his  rigour  was  condemned  by  those  from 
whom  provisions  were  forcibly  taken.  The  sound 
judgment  and  upright  principles  of  the  commander 
in  chief  gave  a  decided  preference  to  the  mode  of 
supplying  his  army  by  fair  contract,  but  the  ne- 
cessities thereof  proceeding  from  bad  management 
in  the  commissary  department ;  the  depreciation  of 
the  Congress  bills  of  credit ;  the  selfishness  of  the 
farmers  in  preferring  British  metallic  to  American 


60 


THE  LIFE  OF 


paper  money,  together  with  the  eagerness  of  Con- 
gress to  starve  the  British  army  in  Philadelphia, /y 
compelled  him  to  extort  supplies  for  his  army  at 
the  point  of  the  bayonet.  In  obedience  to  Con- 
gress, he  issued  a  proclamation,  "  calling  on  the 
formers  within  seventy  miles  of  head  quarters  to 
thresh  out  one  half  of  their  grain  by  the  first  of 
Februaiy,  and  the  residue  by  the  first  of  March, 
under  the  penalty  of  having  the  whole  seized  as 
sttvw." 

Great  were  the  difficulties  Washington  had  to 
contend  with  for  feeding  and  clothing  his  army; 
but  they  were  not  the  only  ones  which  at  this  time 
pressed  on  him.  The  states  of  Pennsylvania  and 
New  Jersey  were  importunate  with  him  to  cover 
them  from  the  incursions  of  the  enemy.  In  both 
there  were  many  discontented  individuals,  who,  I 
regretting  their  past  losses  and  present  danger  - 
from  the  vicinity  of  a  conquering  army,  were  so 
far  misled  by  their  feelings  as  to  suppose  it  to  be 
the  fruit  of  Gen.  Washington,  that  the  inferior 
destitute  army  under  his  immediate  command  had  i 
not  been  as  successful  as  the  superior  well  sup- 
ported northern  army  under  Gen.  Gates.  The 
legislature  of  Pennsylvania,  probably  sore  from  the 
loss  of  their  capital,  on  hearing  thai  Washington 
was  about  to  retire  into  winter  quarters,  presented 
a  remonstrance  to  Congress  on  that  subject,  in 
which  their  di^aiisfaction  with  the  General  was 
far  from  being  concealed.  A  copy  of  this  being 
scut  to  him,  he  addressed  Congress  in  terms  very 
different  from  his  usual  style.  Eh  stated,  "  that 
though  every  thing  in  his  power  had  been  done 
for  supporting  his  army,  yet  their  inactivity,  aris- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  81 

ing  from  their  manifold  wants,  was  charged  to  his 
account ;  that  the  army  seldom  had  provisions  for 
two  days  in  advance ;  that  few  of  his  men  had 
more  than  one  shirt,  many  only  a  moiety  of  one, 
and  some  none  at  all ;  that  soap,  vinegar,  and 
such  like  articles,  though  allowed  by  Congress,  had 
not  been  seen  in  camp  for  several  weeks ;  that  by 
a  field  return  two  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
ninety  eight  of  his  army  were  unfit  for  duty,  be- 
cause they  were  barefooted,  and  otherwise  naked ; 
that  his  whole  effective  force  in  camp  amounted  to 
no  more  than  eight  thousand  two  hundred  men  fit 
for  duty  ;  that  notwithstanding  these  complicated 
wants,  the  remonstrance  of  the  Pennsylvania  legisla- 
ture reprobated  the  measure  of  his  going  into  winter 
quarters,  as  if  its  authors  thought  the  soldiers  were 
made  of  stocks  or  stones,  and  as  if  they  conceived 
it  easily  practicable  for  an  inferior  army,  circum- 
stanced as  his  was,  to  confine  a  superior  one,  well 
appointed  and  every  way  provided  for  a  winter's 
campaign,  within  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  and  to 
cover  all  the  circumjacent  country  from  their  dep- 
redation." He  assured  the  complainers,  "  that  it 
was  much  easier  to  draw  up  remonstrances  in  a 
comfortable  room  by  a  good  fire  side,  than  to  oc- 
cupy a  cold  bleak  hill,  and  sleep  under  frost  and 
snow,  without  clothes  or  blankets." 

To  the  other  vexations  which  crowded  on  Gen. 
Washington  at  the  close  of  the  campaign  of  1777, 
was  added  one  of  a  peculiar  nature.  Though  he 
was  conscious  he  had  never  solicited,  and  that  it 
was  neither  from  motives  of  interest  nor  of  ambi- 
tion he  had  accepted  the  command  of  the  army, 
and  that  he  had  with  clean  Hands  and  a  pure  heart, 
to  the  utmost  of  his  power,  steadily  pursued  what 


82 


THE  LIFE  OF 


his  best  judgment  informed  him  was  for  the  inter- 
est of  his  country  ;  yet  he  received  -certain  in- 
formation that  a  cabal,  consisting  of  some  memr 
bers  of  Congress,  and  a  few  General  Officers  of 
the  army,  was  plotting  to  supersede  him  in  his 
command.  The  scheme  was  to  obtain  the  sanc- 
tion of  some  of  the  state  legislatures  to  instruct 
their  delegates  to  move  in  Congress  for  an  inquiry 
into  the  causes  of  the  failures  of  the  campaigns  of 
1776  and  1777,  with  the  hope  that  some  intempe- 
rate resolutions  passed  by  them  would  either  lead 
to  the  removal  of  the  General,  or  wound  his  mili- 
tary feelings  so  as  to  induce  his  resignation.  Anony- 
mous papers  containing  high  charges  against  him, 
and  urging  the  necessity  of  putting  some  more  en- 
ergetic officer  at  the  head  of  the  army,  were  sent 
to  Henry  Laurens,  President  of  Congress,  Patrick 
Henry,  Governor  of  Virginia,  and  others.  These 
were  forwarded  to  Gen.  Washington.  In  his  re- 
ply to  Mr.  Laurens,  he  wrote  as  follows;  "  I  can- 
not sufficiently  express  the  obligation  I  feel  to- 
ward you  for  your  friendship  and  politeness,  up- 
on an  occasion  in  which  I  am  so  deeply  interested. 
I  was  not  unapprized  that  a  malignant  faction  hud 
been  *fbr  some  time  forming  to  my  prejudice, 
which,  conscious  as  I  am  of  having  ever  done  all 
in  my  power  to  answer  the  important  purposes  of 
the  trust  reposed  in  me,  could  not  but  give  me 
some  pain  on  a  personal  account ;  but  my  chief 
concern  arises  from  an  apprehension  of  the  dan- 
gerous consequences  which  intestine  dissensions 
may  prove  to  the  common  cause. 

"  As  I  have  no  other  view  than  to  promote  the 
public  good,  and  am  unambitious  of  honours  not 
founded  in  the  approbation  of  my  country,  I  would 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

not  desire  .in  the  least  degree  to  suppress  a  free 
spirit  of  inquiry  into  any  part  of  my  conduct,  that 
even  faction  itself  may  deem  reprehensible.  The 
anonymous  paper  handed  you  exhibits  many  seri- 
ous charges,  and  it  is  my  wish  that  it  may  be  sub- 
mitted to  Congress.  This  I  am  the  more  inclin- 
ed t6,  as  the  suppression  or  concealment  may 
possibly  involve  you  in  embarrassments  hereafter, 
since  it  is  uncertain  how  many,  or  who  may  be 
privy  to  the  contents. 

"  My  enemies  take  an  ungenerous  advantage 
of  me.  They  know  the  delicacy  of  my  situation, 
and  that  motives  of  policy  deprive  me  of  the  de- 
fence I  might  otherwise  make  against  their  insidi- 
ous attacks.  They  know  I  cannot  combat  insinu- 
ations, however  injurious,  without  disclosing  se- 
crets it  is  of  the  utmost  moment  to  conceal.  But 
why  should  I  expect  to  be  exempt  from  censure, 
the  unfailing  lot  of  an  elevated  station  ?  Merit  and 
talents,  which  I  cannot  pretend  to  rival,  have  ever 
been  subject  to  it ;  my  heart  tells  me  it  has  been 
my  nnremitted  aim  to  do  the  best  which  circum- 
stances would  permit ;  yet  I  may  have  been  very 
often  mistaken  in  my  judgment  of  the  means,  and 
may,  in  many  instances,  deserve  the  imputation 
. of  error." 

About  the  same  time  it  was  reported  that  Wash- 
ington had  determined  to  resign  his  command. 
On  this  occasion  he.  wrote  to  a  gentleman  in  New 
England  as  fellows ;  "  I  can  assure  you  that  no 
person  ever  heard  me  drop  an  expression  that  had 
a  tendency  to  resignation.  The  same  principles 
that  led  me  to  embark  in  the  opposition  to  the-  ar- 
bitrary claims  of  Great  Britain,  operate  with  addi- 


THE  LIFE 


tional  force  at  this  day ;  nor  is  it  my  desire  to 
withdraw  my  services  while  they  are  considered 
of  importance  in  the  present } contest ;  but  to  re- 
port a  design  of  this  kind  is  among  the  arts  which 
those  who  are  endeavouring  to  effect  a  change,  are 
practising  to  bring  it  to  pass.  I  have  said,  and  I 
still  do  say,  that  there  is  not  an  officer  in  the  Unit- 
ed States  that  would  return  to  the  sweets  of  do- 
mestic life  with  more  heart  felt  joy  than  I  should. 
But  I  would  have  this  declaration  accompanied  by 
these  sentiments,  that  while  the  public  are  satis"- 
fied  with  my  endeavours,  I  mean  not  to  shrink 
from  the  cause  ;  but  the  moment  her  voice,  not 
that  of  faction,  calls  upon  me  to  resign,  I  shall  do 
it  with  as  much  pleasure  as  ever  the  weary  travel- 
ler retired  to  rest." 

These  machinations  did  not  abate  the  ardour  of 
Washington  in  the  common  cause.  His  patriot- 
ism was  too  solid  to  be  shaken  either  by  envy  or 
ingratitude.  Nor  was  the  smallest  effect  produc- 
ed in  diminishing  his  well  earned  reputation.  Zeal 
the  most  active,  and  services  the  most  beneficial, 
and  at  the  same  time  disinterested,  had  ri vetted 
him  in  the  affections  of  his  country  and  army. 
Even  the  victorious  troops  under  General  Gates, 
though  comparisons  highly  flattering  to  their  van- 
ity had  been  made  between  them  and  the  army 
in  Pennsylvania,  clung  to  Washington  as  their  po- 
litical saviour.  The  resentment  of  the  people  was 
generally  excited  against  those  who  were  suppos- 
ed to  be  engaged  in  or  friendly  to'the  scheme  of 
appointing  a  new  commander  in  chief  over  the 
American  army. 


"fiEOKGE  WASHINGTON.  85 


CHAPTER  V. 


CAMPAIGN  OF  1778- 


General  Washington  prepares  for  the  campaign  of    177?..  ..Surprises 

the  British,  and    defeats  them  at  Monmouth Arrests  General  Lee. 

Calms  the  irritation  excited  by  the  departure  of  the  FreneBffeet  from 
Rhode  Island  to  Boston Dissuades  from  au  invasion  of  Canada. 


WASHINGTON  devoted  the  short  respite  from  field 
duty  which  followed  the  encampment  of  the  army 
at  Valley  Forge,  to  prepare  for  an  early  and  active 
campaign  in  the  year  1778.  He  laboured  to  im- 
press on  C9ngress  the  necessity  of  having  in  the 
field  a  regular  army,  at  least  equal  to  thcOTof  the 
enemy.  He  transmitted  to  the  individual  states  a 
return  of  the  troops  they  had  severally  furnished 
for  the  continental  army.  While  this  exhibited  to 
each  its  deficiency,  it  gave  the  General  an  oppor- 
tunity to  urge  on  them  respectively  the  necessity 
of  completing  their  quotas. 

Congress  deputed  a  committee  of  their  body  to 
reside  in  carap,  and,  in  concert  with  Gen.  Wash- 
ington, to  investigate  the  state  of  the  army,  and 
to  report  such  reforms  as  might  be  deemed  expe- 
dient. This  committee,  known  by  the  name  of 
9 


S6  TilK  LIFB  OF 

"  The  Committee  of  Arrangements,"  repaired  to 
Valley  Forge,  in  January,  1778.  Washington 
laid  before  them  a  statement,  in  which  a  compre- 
hensive view  of  the  army  was  taken,  and  in  which 
lie  minutely  pointed  out  what  he  deemed  necessa- 
ry for  the  correction  of  existing  abuses,  and  for 
the  advancement  of  the  service.  He  recommend- 
ed,  "  as  essentially  necessary,  that  in  addition  to 
present  compensation,  provision  should  be  made 
by  half  pay,  and  a  pensionary  establishment  for 
the  future  support  of  the  officers,  so  as  to  render 
their  commissions  valuable."  He  pointed  out 
"  the  insufficiency  of  their  pay,  especially  in  its 
present  state  of  depreciation,  for  their  decent  sub- 
sistence ;  the  sacrifices  they  had  already  made, 
and  the  unreftonableness  of  expecting  that  they 
would  continue  patiently  to  bear  such  an  over  pro- 
portion of  the  common  calamities  growing  out  of 
the^pecessary  wiir,  in  which  all  were  equally  in- 
terested ;  the  many  resignations  that  had  already 
taken  place,  and  the  probability  that  more  would 
follow,  to  the  great  injury  of  the  service  ;  the  im- 
possibility of  keeping  up  a  strict  discipline  among 
officers  whose  commissions,  in  a  pecuniary  view, 
were  so  far  from  being  worth  holding,  that  they 
were  the  means  of  impoverishing  them."  These, 
and  other  weighty  considerations,  were  accompa- 
nied with  a  declaration  by  Gen.  Washington, 
"  that  he  neither  could  nor  would  receive  the 
smallest  benefit  from  the  proposed  establishment, 
and  that  he  had  no  other  inducement  in  urging  it, 
but  a  full  conviction  of  its  utility  and  propriety." 
In  the  same  statement  the  commander  in  chief 
explained  to  the  committee  of  Congress  the  defects 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  8,7 

in  the  quarter  masters,  and  other  departments  con- 
nected with  the  support  and  comfort  of  the  army  ; 
and  also  urged  the  necessity  of  each  state  com- 
pleting its  quota  by  draughts  from  the  militia. 
The  statement  concludes  with  these  impressive 
words  ;  "  Upon  the  whole,  gentlemen,  I  doubt  not 
you  are  fully  impressed  with  the  defects  of  our  pres- 
ent military  system,  and  with  the  necessity  of  spee- 
dy and  decisive  measures  to  place  it  on  a  satisfac- 
tory footing.  The  disagreeable  picture  I  have 
given  you  of  the  wants  and  sufferings  of  the  army, 
and  the  discontents  reigning  among  the  officers,  is 
a  just  representation  of  evils  equally  melancholy 
and  important ;  and  unless  effectual  remedies  be 
applied  without  loss  of  time,  the  most  alarming 
and  ruinous  consequences  are  to  be  apprehended." 
The  committee  were  fully  impressed  with  the  cor- 
rectness of  the  observations  made  by  the  coin- 
maiiclcir  in  chief,  and  grounded  their  report  upon 
them.  A  general  concurrence  of  sentiment  took 
place.  Congress  passed  resolutions,  but  with  sun- 
dry limitations,  ia  favour  of  half  pay  to  their  o '-fl- 
eers for  seven  years  after  the  war  ;  and  gave  thi-ir 
sanction  to  the  other  measures  suggested  by  Wash- 
ington, and  recorn  mended  by  their  committee. 
But,  from  the  delays  i'ldclentul  to  large  bodies, 
either  deliberating  upon  or  executing,  public  "busi- 
ness, much  time  necessarily  elapsed  before  the  ar- 
my received  the  benefits  of  the  proposed  reforms  ; 
and  in  the  mean  time  their  distresses  approached 
to  such  a  height  as  threatened  their  immediate  dis- 
solution. Respect  for  their  commander  attached 
both  officers  and  soldiers  so  strongly  to  his  person, 
as  enabled  him  to  keep  them  together  under  priv*. 


88 


THE  LIFE  OF 


tions  almost  too  much  for  human  nature  to  bear. 
Their  effective  force  throughout  the  winter  was 
little  more  than  five  thousand  men,  though  their 
numbers  on  paper  exceeded  seventeen  thousand. 
It  was  well  for  them  that  the  British  made  no  at- 
tempt to  disturb  them  while  in  this  destitute  con- 
dition. In  that  case  the  Americans  could  not  have 
kept  their  camp  for  want  of  provisions  ;  nor  could 
they  have  retreated  from  it  without  the  certain  loss 
of  some  thousands  who  were  barefooted  and  oth- 
erwise almost  naked.  Nehher  could  they  have 
risked  an  action  with  any  probable  hope  of  suc- 
cess, or  without  hazarding  the  most  serious  con- 
sequences. 

The  historians  of  the  American  revolution  will 
detail  the  particulars  of  a  treaty  entered  into  about 
this  time  between  France  and  the  United  States, 
and  also  that  thereupon  the  government  of  Great 
Britain  offered  terms  to  the  Americans  equal  to 
all  they  had  asked  anterior  to  their  declaration  of 
independence.  The  first  certain  intelligence  of 
these  offers  was  received  by  Gen.  Washington  in 
a  letter  from  Major  General  Tryon,  the  British 
Governor  of  New  York,  enclosing  the  conciliato- 
ry proposals,  and  recommending  u  that  they  should 
be  circulated  by  Gen.  Washington  among  the  of- 
ficers and  privates  of  his  array."  Instead  of  com- 
plying with  this  extraordinary  request,  he  forward- 
ed the  whole  to  Congress,  The  offers  of  Great 
Britain,  which,  if  made  in  due  time,  would  have 
prevented  the  dismemberment  of  the  empire,  were 
promptly  rejected.  The  day  after  their  rejection 
a  resolution  formerly  recommended  by  Washing- 
ton was  adopted  by  Congress,  in  which  they  urged 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  89 

upon  the  different  states  "  to  pardon,  under  cer- 
tain limitations,  such  of  their  misguided  citizens 
as  had  levied  war  against  the  United  States."  Cop- 
ies of  this  were  struck  off"  in  English  and  German, 
and  Gen.  Washington  was  directed  to  take  meas- 
ures for  circulating  them  among  the  American  lev- 
ies in  the  British  army.  He  immediately  enclos- 
ed them  in  a  letter  to  Try  on,  in  which  he  acknowl- 
edged the  receipt  of  his  late  letter  covering  the 
British  conciliatory  bills,  and  requesting  their  cir- 
culation in  the  American  army  ;  and  in  the  way 
of  retort  Requested  the  instrumentality  of  Try  on 
in  making  the  resolves  of  Congress  known  to  the 
Americans  in  the  British  army,  on  whom  they 
were  intended  to  operate. 

About  this  time  Sir  William  Howe  resigned  the 
command  of  the  British  army,  and  returned  to 
Great  Britain.  His  successor,  Sir  Henry  Clinton, 
had  scarcely  entered  on  the  duties  of  his  office, 
when  he  received  orders  to  evacuate  Philadelphia, 
This  was  deemed  expedient  from  an  apprehen- 
sion thtit  it  would  be  a  dangerous  position  in  case 
a  French  fleet,  as  was  expected,  should  arrive  in 
the  Delaware  to  co-operate  with  the  Americans. 

The  design  of  evacuating  Philadelphia  was  soon 
discovered  by  Washington  ;  but  the  object  or 
course  of  the  enemy  could  not  be  precisely  ascer- 
tained. Their  preparations  equally  denoted  an 
expedition  to  the  south  ;  an  embarkation  of  their 
whole  army  for  New  York  ;  or  a  inarch  to  that 
.  city  through  New  Jersey.  In  the  two  first  cases 
Washington  had  not  the  means  of  annoyance  ;  but 
as  the  probability  of  tl>e  last  daily  increased,  he  di- 
rected his  chief  attention  to  tiiat  point.  Gen. 


Tin:  LIFE  o/ 


Maxwell,  with  the  Jersey  brigade,  was  ordered 
over  the  Delaware  to  take  post  about  Mount  Hol- 
ly, and  to  co  operate  with  Gen.  Dickinson  at  the 
head  of  the  Jersey  militia,  in  obstructing  the  pro- 
gress of  the  royal  army  till  time  should  be  gained 
for  Washington  to  overtake  them.  The  British 
crossed  the  Delaware  to  Gloucester  Point,  on  the 
18th.  of  June,  1778  ;  the  Americans  in  four  days 
after,  at  Corryel's  ferry.  The  general  officers  of 
the  latter,  on  being  asked  what  line  of  conduct 
they  deemed  most  advisable,  had  previously,  and 
with  one  consent,  agreed  to  attempt  nothing  till 
the  evacuation  of  Philadelphia  was  completed  ; 
but  after  the  Delaware  was  crossed,  there  was  a 
diversity  of  sentiment  respecting  the  measures 
proper  to  be  pursued.  Gen.  Lee,  who,  having 
•been  exchanged,  joined  the  army,  was  of  opinion 
that  the  United  States,  in  consequence  of  their  late 
foreign  connexions,  were  secure  of  their  indepen- 
dence, unless  their  army  was  defeated  ;  and  that 
tinder  such  circumstances  it  would  be  criminal  to 
hazard  an  action,  unless  they  had  some  decided'* 
advantage.  Though  the  numbers  in  both  armies 
were  nearly  equal,  and  about  ten  thousand  effect- 
ive men  in  each,  he  attributed  so  much  to  the  su- 
periority of  British  discipline,  as  made  him  appre- 
hensive of  the  issue  of  an  engagement  on  equal 
ground.  These  sentiments  were  sanctioned  by 
the  voice  of  a  great  majority  of  the  general  officers. 
Washington  was  nevertheless  strongly  inclined  to 
risk  an  action.  Though  cautious,  he  was  enter- 
prising, and  "could  not  readily  believe  that  the 
chances  of  war  were  so  much  against  him  as  to 
threaten  consequences  of  the  alarming  magnitude 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  91 

which  had  been  announced.  There  was  a  gener- 
al concurrence  in  a  proposal  for  strengthening  the 
corps  on  the  left  flank  of  the  enemy  with  fifteen 
hundred  men,  to  improve  any  partial  advantages 
that  might  ofter,  and  that  the  main  body  should 
preserve  a  relative  position  for  acting  as  circum- 
stances might  require. 

When  Sir  Henry  Clinton  had  advanced  to  Al- 
lentown,  he  determined,  instead  of  keeping  the  di- 
rect course  toward  Staten  Island,  to  draw  toward 
the  sea  coast,  and  to  push  on  toward  Sandy  Hook. 
Washington,  on  receiving  intelligence  that  Sir 
Henry  was  proceeding  in  that  direction  toward 
Monmouth  courthouse,  despatched  one  thousand 
men  under  Gen.  Wayne,  and  sent  the  Marquisde 
la  Fayette  to  take  command  of  the  whole,  with 
orders  to  seize  the  first  fair  opportunity  of  attack- 
ing the  enemy's  rear.  The  command  of  this  ad- 
vanced corps  was  offered  to  Gen.  Lee,  but  he  de- 
clined it.  The  whole  army  followed  at  a  proper 
distance  for  supporting  the  advanced  corps,  and 
reached  Cranberry  the  next  morning.  Sir  Henry 
Clinton,  sensible  of  the  approach  of  the  Americans, 
placed  his  grenadiers,- light  infantry,  and  chasseurs, 
in  his  rear,  and  his  baggage  in  his  front.  Wash- 
ington increased  his  advanced  corps  with  two  brig- 
ades, and  sent  Gen.  Lee,  who  now  wished  for  the 
command,  to  take  charge  of  the  whole,  and  fol- 
lowed with  the  main  army  to  give  it  support.  On 
the  next  morning  orders  were  sent  to  Lee  to  move 
*on  and  attack,  unless  there  should  be  powerful 
reasons  to  the  contrary.  When  Washington  had 
marched  about  five  miles  to  support  the  advanced 
corps,  he  found  the  whole  of  it  retreating  by  Lee?& 


TQE  LIFE  OF 


orders,  and  without  having  made  any  opposition 
of  consequence.  Washington  rode  up  to  Lee  and 
proposed  certain  questions.*  Lee  answered  .with 
warmth,  and  unsuitable  language.  The  com- 
mander in  chief  ordered  Col.  Stewart's,  and  Lieut. 
Col.  Ramsay's  battalions,  to  form  on  a  piece  of 
ground  which  he  judged  suitable  for  giving  a  check 
to  the  advancing-  enemy.  Lee  was  then  asked  if 
he  would  command  on  that  ground,  to  which  he 
consented,  and  was  ordered  to  take  proper  meas- 
ures for  checking  the  enemy  ;  to  which  he  repli- 
ed, "  your  orders  shall  be  obeyed,  and  I  will  not 
be  the  first  to  leave  the  field."  Washington  then 
rode  to  the  main  army,  which  was  formed  with  the 
utmost  expedition.  A  warm  cannonade  immedi- 
ately commenced  between  the  British  and  Amer- 
ican artillery,  and  a  heavy  firing  between  the  ad- 
vanced troops  of  the  British  army  and  the  two 
battalions  which  Washington  had  halted.  These 
stood  their  ground  till  they  were  intermixed  with 
a  part  of  the  Biitish  army.  Gen.  Lee  continued 
tiii  the  last  on  the  field  of  battle,  and  brought  off 
the  rear  of  the  retreating  troops 

The  check  the  British  received  gave  time  to 
make  a  disposition  of  the  left  wing  and  second  line 
of  the  American  army,  in  the  wood  and  on  ihe 
eminence  to  which  Lee  was  retreating.  On  this 
soive  cannon  were  placed  by  lord  Stirling,  who 
commanded  the  left  wing,  which,  with  the. co-op- 
eration of  some  parties  of  infantry,  effectually  stop- 
ped the  advance  of  the  British  in  that  quarter. 
Gen.  Greene  took  a  very  advantageous  position  on 
the  right  of  lord  Stirling.  The  British  attempted 
to  turn  the  left  flank  of  the  Americans,  but  were 


GEORUK  'WASHINGTON". 

repulsed.  They  also  made  a  movement  to  the 
right,  with  as  little  success  ;  for  Greene,  with  ar- 
tillery, disappointed  their  design.  Wayne  advanc- 
ed with  a  body  of  troops,  and  kept  up  so  severe 
and  well  directed  a  fire,  that  the  British  were  soon 
compelled  to  give  way.  They  retired,  and  took 
the  position  which  Lee  had  before  occupied. 
Washington  resolved  to  attack  them,  and  ordered 
Gen.  Poor  to  move  round  upon  their  right,  and 
Gen,  Woodford  to  their  left ;  but  they  could  not 
get  within  reach  before  it  was  dark.  These  re- 
mained on  the  ground  which  they  had  been  di- 
rected to  occupy,  during  the  night,  with  an  inten- 
tion of  attacking  early  next  morning  ;  and  the 
main  body  lay  on  their  arms  in  the  field  to  be 
ready  for  supporting  them.  Gen.  Washington, 
after  a  day  of  great  activity  and  much  personal  dan- 
ger, reposed  among  his  troops  on  his  cloak  under 
a  tree,  in  hopes  of  renewing  the  action  the  next 
day.  But  these  hopes  were  frustrated.  The  Brit- 
ish marched  away  in  the  night  in  such  silence, 
that  Gen.  Poor,  though  he  lay  very  near  them, 
knew  nothing  -of  their  departure.  They  left  be- 
hind them  four  officers  and  about  forty  privates, 
all  so  badly  wounded  that  they  could  not  be  re- 
moved. Their  other  wounded  were  carried  off. 
The  British  pursued  their  march  without  farther 
interruption,  and  spon  reached  the  neighbourhood 
of  Sandy  Hook,  without  the  loss  of  either  their 
covering  party  or  baggage.  The  American  Gen- 
eral declined  all  farther  pursuit  of  the  royal  army, 
and  soon  after  drew  off  his  troops  to  the  borders 
of  the  North  River.  The  loss  of  the  Americans 
in  killed  and  wounded  was  about  two  hundred  and 


94 


THE  LIFE  OF 


fifty.     The  loss  of  the  royal  army,  inclusive  of 
prisoners,  was  about  three  hundred  and  fifty. 

On  the  ninth  day  after  this  action,  Congress 
unanimously  resolved,  "  that  their  thanks  be  giv- 
en to  Gen.  Washington  for  the  activity  with  which 
he  marched  from  the  camp  at  Valley  Forge  in 
pursuit  of  the  enemy ;  for  his  distinguished  exer- 
tions in  forming  the  line  of  battle  ;  and  ior  his 
great  good  conduct  in  leading  on  the  attack,  and 
gaining  the  important  victory  of  Monmouth,  over 
the  British  grand  army,  under  the  command  of 
Gen.  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  in  their  march  from  Phi- 
ladelphia to  New  York."  It  is  probable  that 
Washington  intended  to  take  no  further  noiice  of 
Lee's  conduct  in  the  day  of  action,  but  the  latter 
could  not  brook  the  expressions  used  by  the  form- 
er at  their  first  meeting,  and  wrote  him  two  pas- 
sionate letters.  This  occasioned  his  being  arrest- 
ed, and  brought  to  trial.  The  charges  exhibited 
against  him  were, 

1st.  For  disobedience  of  orders  in  not  attacking 
the  enemy  on   the  28th.  of  June,  agreeable  to  re- , 
peated  instructions. 

2dly.  For  misbehaviour  before  the  enemy  on  -j 
the  same  day,  by  making  an  unnecessary,  disor-  I 
derly,  and  shameful  retreat. 

Sdiy.  For  disrespect  to  the  commander  in  chief 
in  two  letters. 

Alter  a  tedious  hearing  before  a  court  .martial, 
of  which  lord  Stirling  was  president,  Lee  was 
found  guilty,  and  sentenced  to  be  suspended  from 
•  any  command  in  the  armies  of  the  United  S'ciiies 
for  the  term  of  one  year  ;  but  the  second  change 
was  softened  by  the  court,  winch  only  found  hi  in 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  »3 

guilty  of  misbehaviour  before  the  enemy,  by  mak- 
ii.;-  an  unnecessary,  and,  in  some  few  instances,  a 
disorderly  retreat. 

S:xm  after  the  battle  of  Monmouth  the  Ameri- 
can army  took  post  at  the  White  Plains,  and  re- 
mained there,  and  in  the  vicinity,  till  autumn  was 
far  advanced,  and  then  retired  to  Middlebrook  in 
New  Jersey.  During  this  period,  nothing  of  more 
importance  occurred  than  skirmishes,  in  which 
Gen.  Washington  was  not  particularly  engaged. 
He  was  nevertheless  fully  employed.  His  mild 
co»ic:liatory  manners,  and  the  most  perfect  sub- 
jection of  his  passions  to  reason,  together  with  the 
soundness  of  his  judgment,  enabled  him  to  serve 
his  country  with  equal  effect,  though  with  less 
splendour  than  is  usually  attached  to  military  ex- 
ploits. 

The  French  fleet,  the  expectation  of  which  had 
induced  the  evacuation  of  Philadelphia,  arrived 
too  late  for  attacking  the  British  in  the  Delaware. 
It  was  also  deemed  unadvisable  to  attempt  New 
York  ;  but  the  British  posts  on  Rhode  Island  were 
judged  proper  objects  of  a  conjunct  expedition 
with  the  sea  and  land  forces  of  France  and  Amer- 
ica. This  being  resolved  upon,  Gen.  Sullivan 
was  appointed  to  conduct  the  operations  of  the 
A  •  nericans.  When  the  preparat ions  for  corn menc - 
ing  the  attack  were  nearly  completed,  a  British  fleet 
appeared  m  sight.  D'Estaing,  who  commanded 
the  French  fleet,  put  cut  to  sea  to  engage  them  ; 
but  a  storm  came  on  which  crippled  both  fleets 
such  an  extent,  as  induced  the  one  to  go  to  '. 
York,  and  the  other  to  Boston,  for  the  purpose  of 
being  repaired.  While  the  fleets  were  out  of 


96  T!-»tt  LIFE  OF 


sight,  Sullivan  had  commenced  'he  siege,  and  flat- 
tered himself  that  a  iew  days  co-oj:-jr.,iiio.'i  of  the 
returned  French  ships  could  not  iail  of  crowning 
him  with  success.     The  determination  of  D'Es- 
taing  to  retire  to  Boston  instead  of  co-operating  in 
the  siege,  excited  the  greatest  air.riu  in  Sulliv,m's 
army.     By  this  dereliction  of  the  oiiginal  plan, 
the  harbours  of  Rhode    Island  were  left  free  and 
open  for  reinforcements  to  the  British,  which  might 
be  easily  poured  in  from  their  head  quarters  in 
New  York.      Instead  of  anticipated   conquests, 
Sullivan  had  reason  to  fear  for  the  safety  of  his  ar- 
my.    Irritated  at  the  departure  of  D'Estaing,  he 
expressed   in   general  orders  to  his  army,  "  his 
hope  that  the  event  would  prove  America  able  to 
procure  that,  by  her  own  arms,   which  her  allies 
refused  to  assist  in  obtaining."     These  expres- 
sions were   considered  as  imputing  to  D'Eataing 
and  the  French  nation  a  disinclination  to  promote 
the  interests  of  the  United  States.     When  entrea- 
ties failed  of  persuading  D'Estaing  to  return  to 
the  siege,  a  paper  was  drawn  up  and  signed  by  the 
principal  officers  of  the  Americans,  and  sent  to  J 
him,  in  which  they  protested  against  his  taking  rr,e 
fleet  to  Boston,  "  as  derogatory  to  the  honour  of 
•France  ;  contrary  to   the  intentions   of  his  most 
Chi  jftian  Majesty,  and  the  interest  of  his  nation  ;  4 
destructive  to  the  welfare  of  the  United  States,  and 
highly  injurious  to  the  alliance  between  the  two 
nations."     So  much  discontent  prevailed,  that  se- 
us  apprehensions  were  entertained  that  the  means 
repairing  the  French  fleet  would  not  be  readily 
obtained. 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  97 

Washington  foresaw  the  evils  likely  to  result 
from  the  general  and  mutual  irritation  which  pre- 
vailed, and  exerted  all  his  influence  to  calm  the 
minds  of  both  parties.  He  had  a  powerful  coad- 
jutor in  the  Marquis  de  la  Fayette,  who  was  as  de- 
servedly dear  to  the  Americans  as  to  the  French. 
His  first  duties  were  due  to  his  king  and  country  ; 
but  he  loved  America,  and  was  so  devoted  to  the 
commander  in  chief  of  its  armies,  as  to  enter  into 
his  views,  and  second  his  softening  conciliatory 
measures,  with  truly  filial  affection. 

Washington  also  wrote  to  Gen.  Heath,  who 
commanded  at  Boston,  and  to  Sullivan  and  Greene, 
who  commanded  at  Rhode  Island.  In  his  letter 
to  Gen.  Heath,  he  stated  his  fears  "  that  the  de- 
parture of  the  French  fleet  from  Rhode  Island,  at 
so  critical  a  moment,  would  not  only  weaken  the 
confidence  of  the  people  in  their  new  allies,  but 
produce  such  prejudice  and  resentment  as  might 
prevent  their  giving  the  fleet,  in  its  present  d?s- 
tress,  such  zealous  and  effectual  assistance  as  was 
demanded  by  the  exigence  of  affairs,  and  the  true 
interests  of  America  ;"  and  added,  "  that  it  would 
be  sound  policy  to  combat  these  effects,  and  to 
give  the  best  construction  of  what  had  happened ; 
and  at  the  same  time  to  make  strenuous  exertions 
for  putting  the  French  fleet  as  soon  as  possible,  in 
a  condition  to  defend  itself,  and  be  useful."  He 
also  observed  as  follows  ;  "  the  departure  of  the 
fleet  from  Rhode  Island,  is  not  yet  publicly  an- 
nounced here  ;  but  when  it  is,  I  intend  to  ascribe 
it  to  necessity  produced  by  the  damage  received 
in  the  late  storm.  This  it  appears  to  me  is  the 
idea  which  ought  to  be  generally  propagated.  As 
10 


98  THR  LIFE  OF 

I  doubt  not  the  force  of  these  reasons  will  strike 
you  equally  with  myself,  I  would  recommend  to 
you  to  use  your  utmost  influence  to  palliate  and 
soften  matters,  and  to  induce  those  whose  business 
it  is  to  provide  succours  of  every  kind  for  the  fleet, 
to  employ  their  utmost  zeal  and  activity  in  doing 
it.  It  is  our  duty  to  make  the  best  of  our  misfor- 
tunes, and  not  suffer  passion  to  interfere  with  our 
interest  and  the  public  good." 

In  a  letter  to  Gen.  Sullivan,  he  observed,  "  the 
disagreement  between  the  army  under  your  com- 
mand and  the  fleet,  has  given  me  very  singular  un- 
easiness. The  continent  at  large  is  concerned  in 
our  cordiality,  and  it  should  be  kept  up  by  all 
possible  means  consistent  with  our  honour  and  pol- 
icy. First  impressions  are  generally  longest  re- 
tained, and  will  serve  to  fix  in  a  great  degree  our 
national  character  with  the  French.  In  our  con- 
duct toward  them,  we  should  remember,  that  they 
Are  a  people  old  in  war,  very  strict  in  military  et- 
iquette, and  apt  to  take  fire  when  others  seem 
scarcely  warmed.  Permit  me  to  recommend  in 
the  most  particular  manner,  the  cultivation  of  har- 
mony and  good  agreement,  and  your  endeavours 
to  destroy  that  ill  humour  which  may  have  found 
its  way  among  the  officers.  It  is  of  the  utmost 
importance  too  that  the  soldiers  and  the  people 
should  know  nothing  of  this  misunderstanding ; 
or  if  it  has  reached  them,  that  means  may  be  used 
to  stop  its  progress,  and  pi  event  its  effects." 

In  a  letter  to  Gen.  Greene,  he  observed,  "  I 
have  not  now  time  to  take  notice  of  the  several  Ar- 
guments, which  were  made  use  of,  for  and  against 
the  Count's  quitting  the  harbour  of  Newport,  and 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  99 

sailing  for  Boston.  Right  or  wrong,  it  will  prob- 
ably disappoint  our  sanguine  expectations  of  suc- 
cess, and,  which  I  deem  a  still  worse  consequence, 
I  fear  it  will  sow  the  seeds  of  dissension  and  dis^ 
trust  between  us  and  our  new  allies,  unless  the 
most  .prudent  measures  be  taken  to  suppress  the 
feuds  and  jealousies  that  have  already  risen.  I  de- 
pend much  on  your  temper  and  influence  to  con- 
ciliate that  animosity  which  subsists  between  the 
American  and  French  officers  in  our  service.  I 
beg  you  will  take  every  measure  to  keep  the  pro- 
test entered  into  by  the  general  officers  from  being 
made  public.  Congress,  sensible  of  the  ill  conse- 
quences that  will  flow  from  our  differences  being 
known  to  the  world,  have  passed  a  resolve  to  that 
purpose.  Upon  the  whole,  my  dear  sir,  you  can 
conceive  my  meaning  better  than  I  can  express  it ; 
and  I  therefore  fully  depend  on  your  exerting 
yourself  to  heal  all  private  animosities  between  our 
principal  officers  and  the  French,  and  to  prevent 
all  illiberal  expressions  and  reflections  that  may 
fall  from  the  army  at  large." 

Washington  also  improved  the  first  opportuni- 
ty of  recommencing  his  correspondence  with  count 
D'Estaing,  in  a  letter  to  him,  which,  without  no- 
tieing.the  disagreements  that  -had  taken  place,  was 
well  calculated  to  sooth  every  angry  sensation 
which  might  have  rankled  in  his  mind.  In  the 
course  of  a  short  correspondence,  the  irritation 
which  threatened  serious  mischiefs  entirely  gave 
way  to  returning  good  humour  and  cordiality. 

In  another  case  about  the  same  time  the  correct 
judgment  of  Washington  proved  serviceable  to 
his  country.  In  the  last  months  of  the  year  1778, 


100  THE  LIFE  OF 

when  the  most  active  part  of  the  campaign  was 
over,  Congress  decided  on  a  magnificent  plan  for 
the  conquest  of  Canada.  This  was  to  be  attempt- 
ed in  1779  by  land  and  water,  on  the  side  of  the 
United  States,  and  by  a  fieet  and  army  from  France. 
The  plan  was  proposed,  considered,  and  agreed  to, 
before  Washington  was  informed  of  it.  He  was 
then  desired  to  write  to  Dr.  Franklin,  the  Ameri- 
can minister  at  Paris,  to  interest  him  in  securing 
the  proposed  co-operation  of  Fiance.  In  reply  to 
the  communications  of  Congress,  he  observed, 
"the  earnest  desirel  have  strictly  to  comply  in 
every  instance  with  the  views  and  instructions  of 
Congress,  cannot  but  make  me  feel  the  greatest 
uneasiness  when  I  find  myself  in  circumstances  of 
hesitation  or  doubt,  with  respect  to  their  direc- 
tions ;  but  the  perfect  confidence  I  have  in  the  jus- 
tice and  candour  of  that  honourable  body,  embold- 
ens me  to  communicate  without  reserve  the  diffi- 
culties which  occur  in  the  execution  of  their  pres- 
ent order  ;  and  the  indulgence  I  have  experienced 
on  every  former  occasion  induces  me  to  imagine 
that  the  liberty  I  now  take  will  not  meet  with  dis- 
approbation. 

"  I  have  attentively  taken  up  the  report  of  the 
committee  respecting  the  proposed  expedition  in- 
to Canada.  I  have  considered  it  in  several  lights, 
and  sincerely  regret  that  I  should  feel  myself  un- 
der any  embarrassment  in  carrying  it  into  execu- 
tion. Still  I  rjinain  of  opinion,  from  a  general 
review  of  things,  and  the  state  of  our  resources, 
that  no  extensive  system  of  co-operation  with  the 
French  for  the  complete  emancipation  of  Canada, 
can  be  positively  decided  on  for  the  ensuing  year.* 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  101 

To  propose  a  plan  of  perfect  co-operation  with  a 
foreign  power,  without  a  moral  certainty  in  our 
supplies  ;  and  to  have  that  plan  actually  ratified 
with  the  court  of  Versailles,  might  be  attended,  in 
case  of  failure  in  the  conditions  on  our  part,  with 
very  fatal  effects. 

44  If  I  should  seem  unwilling  to  transmit  the 
plan  as  prepared  by  Congress,  with  my  observa- 
tions, it  is  because  I  find  myself  under  a  necessi- 
ty, in  order  to  give  our  minister  sufficient  rjround 
to  found  an  application  on,  to  propose  something 
more  than  a  vague  and  indecisive  plan,  which,  ev- 
en in  the  event  of  a  total  evacuation  of  the  states 
by  the  enemy,  imy  be  rendered  impracticable  in 
the  execution  by  a  variety  of  insurmountable  ob- 
stacles ;  or  if  I  retain  my  present  sentiments,  and 
act  consistently,  I  must  point  out  the  difficulties, 
as  they  appear  to  me,  which  must  embarrass  his 
negotiations,  and  may  disappoint  the  views  of 
Congress. 

"  But  proceeding  on  the  idea  of  the  enemy's 
leaving  these  states  before  the  active  part  of  the 
ensuing  campaign,  i  should  fear  to  hazard  a  mis- 
take as  to  the  precise  aim  and  extent  of  the  views 
of  Congress.  The  conduct  I  am  to  observe  in 
writing  to  our  minister  at  the  court  of  France, 
does  not  appear  sufficiently  delineated  Were  I 
to  undertake  it,  I  should  be  much  afraid  of  erring 
through  misconception.  In  this  dilemma,  I  would 
esteem  it  a  particular  favour  to  be  excused  from 
writing  at  all  on  the  subject,  especially  as  it  is  the 
part  of  candour  in  me  to  acknowledge  that  I  do 
not  see  my  way  clear  enough  to  point  out  such  a 
plan  for  co-operation,  as  I  conceive  to  be  consist- 


102 


THE  LIFE  OF 


ent  with  the  ideas  of  Congress,  and  as  will  be  suf- 
ficiently explanatory  with  respect  to  time  and  cir- 
cumstances to  give  efficacy  to  the  measure. 

"  But  if  Congress  still  think  it  necessary  for  me 
to  proceed  in  the  business,  I  must  request  their 
more  definitive  and  explicit  instructions,  and  that 
they  will  permit  me  previous  to  transmitting  the 
intended  despatches,  to  submit  them  to  their  de- 
termination. 

"  t-could  wish  to  lay  before  Congress  more  mi- 
nutely the  state  of  the  army,  the  condition  of  our 
supplies,  and  the  requisites  necessary  for  carry- 
ing into  execution  an  undertaking  that  may  in- 
volve the  most  serious  events.  If  Congress  think 
this  can  be  done  more  satisfactorily  in  a  personal 
conference,  I  hope  to  have  the  army  in  such  a 
situation  before  I  can  receive  their  answer  as  to 
afford  me  an  opportunity  of  giving  my  attend- 
ance." 

The  personal  interview  requested  in  this  letter 
was  agret-d  to  by  Congress,  and  a  committee  ap- 
pointed by  them  to  confer  with  him.  The  result 
was  that  the  proposed  expedition  against  Canada 
Was  given  up  by  those  who,  after  repeated  delib- 
eration, had  resolved  upon  it. 


(JKORGK  WASHINGTON.  103 


CHAPTER    VI. 


CAMPAIGN  OF  irrg. 


The  distresses  of  the   American  army Gen.  Washington  calms  the 

uneasiness  in  the  Jersey  line Finds  great  difficulty  in  supporting  his 

troops  and   concentrating  their  force Makes  a  disposition  of  them 

with  a  view  to  the  security  of  West  Point Directs  an   exoejlitioti 

.  J^^HL 

against  the  Six  Nations  of  Indians,  and  for  the  reduction  oPBtony 
Point.....  Paules  Hook  taken A  French  fleet,  expected  to  the  north- 
ward, arrives  on  the  coast  of  Georgia  ...Washington,  unequal  to  offen- 
sive operations,  retires  into  winter  quarters. 


THE  years  1779  and  1780,  passed  away  in  the 
northern  states  without  any  of  those  great  milita- 
ry exploits  which  enliven  the  pages  of  history  ; 
but  they  were  years  of  anxiety  and  distress,  which 
called  for  all  the  passive  valour,  the  sound  practi- 
cal judgment,  and  the  conciliatory  ad;iress,  for 
which  Gen.  Washington  was  so  emiitently  distin- 
guished. The  states,  yielding  to  the  pleasing  de- 
lusion that  their  alliance  with  France  placed  their 
independence  beyond  the  reach  of  accident,  and 
that  Great  Britain,  despairing  of  success,  would 
speedily  abandon  the  contest,  relaxed  in  their 
preparations  for  a  vigorous  prosecution  of  the  war. 


104  THE  LIFE  OF 

To  these  ungrounded  hopes  Washington  opposed 
the  whole  weight  of  his  influence.  In  his  corres- 
pondence with  Congress,  the  Governors  of  partic- 
ular states,  and  other  influential  individuals,  he 
pointed  out  the  fallacy  of  the  prevailing  opinion 
that  peace  was  near  at  hand  ;  and  the  necessity  for 
raising,  equipping,  and  supporting,  a  force  suffi- 
cient lor  active  operations.  He  particularly  urg- 
ed that  the  annual  arrangements  for  the  arnly 
should  be  made  so  early  that  the  recruits  for  the 
year  should  assemble  at  head. quarters  on  the  first 
of  January  ;  but  such  was  the  torpor  of  the  pub- 
lic mind  that,  notwithstanding  these  representa- 
tions, it  was  as  late  as  the  23d.  of  January,  1779, 
wh^p  Congress  passed  resolutions  authorizing  the 
commander  in  chief  to  reinlist  the  army  ;  and  as 
kite  as  the  9th.  of  the  following  March,  that  the 
requisitions  were  made  on  the  several  states  for 
their  quotas.  The  milittry  establishment  for  1780 
was  later  ;  for  it  was  not  agreed  upon  till  the  9th. 
of  February  ;  nor  were  the  men  required  before 
the  first  of  April.  Thus,  when  armies  ought  to 
have  been  in  the  field,  nothing  more  was  done 
than  a  grant  of  the  requisite  authority  for  raising 
them. 

The  depreciation  of  the  current  paper  money 
had  advdric^pL  so  rapidly  as  to  render  the  daiiy  pay 
of  an  oificer  unequal  to  his  support.  This  pro- 
duced serious  discontents  in  the  army.  An  order 
was  given  in  May.  1779,  for  the  Jersey  brigade 
to  march  by  regi.neuls  to  join  the  western  army. 
In  answer  to  this  order  a  letter  was  received  from 
Gen.  Maxwell,  stating  that  the  officers  of  the  first 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  105 

regiment  had  delivered  to  their  Colonel  a  remon- 
strance, addressed  to  the  legislature  of  New  Jer- 
sey, in  which  they  declared,  that  unless  their  form- 
er complaints  on  the  deficiency  of  pay  obtained 
immediate  attention,  they  were  to  be  considered  at 
the  end  of  three  days  as  having  resigned  their 
commissions  ;  and  on  that  contingency  they  re- 
quested the  legislature  to  appoint  other  officers  in 
their  stead.  General  Washington,  who  was  strong- 
ly attached  to  the  army,  and  knew  their  virtue, 
their  sufferings,  and  also  the  justice  of  their  com- 
plaints, immediately  comprehended  the  ruinous 
consequences  likely  to  result  from  the  measure 
they  had  adopted.  After  serious  deliberation,  he 
wrote  a  letter  to  Gen.  Maxwell,  to  be  laid  before 
the  officers.  In  the  double  capacity  of  their  friend 
and  their  commander,  he  made  a  forcible  address 
both  to  their  pride  and  their  patriotism.  "  There 
is  nothing,"  he  observed,  "  which  has  happened 
in  the  course  of  the  war,  that  has  given  me  so 
iinuch  pain  as  the  remonstrance  you  mention  from 
ithe  officers  of  the  first  Jersey  regiment.  I  cannot 
but  consider  it  a  hastv  and  imprudent  step,  which, 
on  more  cool  consideration,  they  will  themselves 
'condemn.  I  am  very  sensible  of  the  inconvenien- 
(Ces  under  which  the  officers  of  the  army  labour, 
and  I  hope  they  do  me  the  justice  to  believe,  that 
my  endeavours  to  procure  them  relief  arc  inces- 
sant. There  is  more  difficulty,  however,  in  satis- 
fy ing  their  wishes,  than  perhaps  they  are  aware  of. 
(Our  resources  have  been  hitherto  very  limited. 
The  situation  of  our  money  is  no  small  embar- 
rassment, for  which,  though  there  are  remedies, 
they  cannot  be  the  work  of  a  moment.  Govern- 


106  THE  LIFE  OF 

ment  is  not  insensible  of  the  merits  and  sacrifices 
of  the  officers,  nor  unwilling  to  make  a  compen- 
sation ;  but  it  is  a  truth  of  which  a  very  little  ob- 
servation must  convince  us,  that  it  is  v*ery  much 
straitened  in  the  means.  Great  allowances  ought 
to  be  made  on  this  account,  for  any  delay  and 
seeming  backwardness  which  may  appear.  Some 
of  the  states,  indeed,  have  done  as  generously  as 
was  in  their  power  ;  and  if  others  have  been  less 
expeditious,  it  ought  to  be  ascribed  to  some  pe- 
culiar cause,  which  a  little  time,  aided  by  exam- 
ple, will  remove.  The  patience  and  perseverance 
of  the  army  have  been,  under  every  disadvantage, 
such  as  do  them  the  highest  honour  at  home  and 
abroad,  and  have  inspired  me  with  an  unlimited 
confidence  in  their  virtue,  which  has  consoled  me 
amidst  every  perplexity  and  reverse  of  fortune,  to 
which  our  affairs,  in  a  struggle  of  this  nature,  were 
necessarily  exposed.  Now  that  we  have  made  so 
great  a  progress  to  the  attainment  of  the  end  we 
have  in  view,  so  that  we  cannot  fail,  without  a 
most  shameful  desertion  of  our  own  interests,  any 
thing  like  a  change  of  conduct  would  imply  a  very^ 
unhappy  change  of  principles,  and  a  forgetfulness- 
as  well  of  what  we  owe  to  ourselves  as  to  our 
country.  Did  I  suppose  it  possible  this  siiouid 
be  the  case,  even  in  a  single  regiment  of  the  army, 
I  should  be  mortified  and  chagrined  beyond  ex- 
pression. I  should  feel  it  as  a  wound  given  to 
my  own  honour,  which  I  consider  as  embarked 
with  that  of  the  army.  But  this  I  believe  to  be 
impossible.  Any  corps  that  was  about  to  set  an 
example  of  the  kind,  would  weigh  well  the  co- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  107 

quences  ;  and  no  officer  of  common  discernment 
and  sensibility  would  hazard  them.  It  they  should 
stand  alone  in  it,  independent  of  other  consequen- 
ces, what  would  be  their  feelings  on  reflecting  that 
they  had  held  themselves  out  to  the  world  in  a 
point  of  light  inferior  to  the  rest  of  the  army  ?  Or, 
if  their  example  should  be  followed,  and  become 
general,  how  could  they  console  themselves  for 
having  been  the  foremost  in  bringing  ruin  and  dis- 
grace upon  their  country  ?  They  would  remem- 
ber that  the  army  would  share  a  double  portion 
of  the  general  infamy  and  distress  ;  and  that  the 
character  of  an  American  officer  would  become  as 
despicable  as  it  is  now  glorious. 

"  I  confess  the  appearances  in  the  present  in- 
stance' are  disagreeable  ;  but  I  am  convinced  they 
seejn  to  mean  more  than  they  really  do.  The 
Jersey  officers  have  not  been  outdone  by  any 
others,  in  the  qualities  either  of  citizens  or  sold- 
iers ;  and  I  am  confident  no  part  of  them  would 
seriously  intend  any  thing  that  would  be  a  stain 
on  their  former  reputation.  The  gentltmen  can- 
not be  in  earnest ;  they  have  only  reasoned  wrong 
about  the  means  of  attaining1  a  good  en(l,  and,  on 
consideration,  I  hope  and  flatter  my  self  they  will 
renounce  what  must  appear  improper.:  At  the 
opening  of  a  campaign,  when  under  marching  or- 
ders for  an  important  service,  their  owa  honour, 
duty  to  the  public,  and  to  themselves,  and  a  re- 
gard to  military  propriety,  will  not  sufFei  them  to 
persist  in  a  measure  whi«~%h  would  be  a  Violation 
of  them  all.  It  will  even  wound  their  tk  licacy 
coolly  to  reflect,  that  they  have  hazarded  a  btep 


108  THEf  LIFE  OF 

which  has  an  air  of  dictating  terms  to  their  coun- 
try, by  taking  advantage  of  the  necessity  of  the 
moment. 

"  The  declaration  they  have  made  to  the  state, 
at  so  critical  a  time,  that  '  unless  they  obtain  re- 
lief in  the  short  period  of  three  days,  they  must 
be  considered  out  of  the  service,'  has  very  much 
that  aspect ;  and  the  seeming  relaxation  of  contin- 
uing until  the  state  can  have  a  reasonable  time  to 
provide  other  officers,  will  be  thought  only  a  su- 
perficial veil.  I  am  now  to  request  that  you  will 
convey  my  sentiments  to  the  gentlemen  concern- 
ed, and  endeavour  to  make  them  sensible  of  their 
error.  The  service  for  which  the  regiment  was 
intended,  will  not  admit  of  delay.  It  must  at  all 
events  march  on  Monday  morning,  in  the  first 
place  to  this  camp,  and  further  directions  will  be 
given  when  it  arrives.  I  am  sure  I  shall  not  be 
mistaken  in  expecting  a  prompt  and  cheerful  obe- 
dience." 

The  officers  did  not  explicitly  recede  from  their 
claims,  but  were  brought  round  so  far  as  to  con- 
tinue in  service.  In  an  add?  ess  to  Gen.  Wash- 
ington, they  declared  "  their  unhappiness  that  any 
step  of  theirs  should  give  him  pain  ;"  but  alleged 
in  justification  of  themselves,  "  that  repeated  me- 
morials had  been  presented  to  their  legislature, 
which  had  been  neglected  ;"  and  added,,  "  we 
have  lost  all  confidence  in  that  body.  Reason 
and  experience  forbid  that  we  should  have  any. 
Few  of  us  have  private  fortunes  ;  many  have  fam- 
ilies who  already  are  suffering  every  thing  that 
can  be  received  from  an  ungrateful  country.  Are 


liEORGE  WASHINGTON.  109 

we  then  to  suffer  all  the  inconveniences,  fatigues, 
and  dangers,  of  a  military  life,  while  our  wives 
and  our  children  are  perishing  for  want  of  com- 
mon necessaries  at  home  ;  and  that  without  the 
most  disfant  prospect  of  reward,  for  our  pay  is  now 
only  nominal  ?  We  are  sensible  that  your  excel- 
lency cannot  wish  or  desire  this  from  us. 

"  We  are  sorry  that  you  should  imagine  we 
meant  to  disobey  orders.  It  w  ts,  and  still  is,  our 
determination  to  march  with  our  regiment,  and 
to  do  the  duty  of  officers,  until  the  legislature 
should  have  a  reasonable  time  to  appoint  others  ; 
but  no  longer. 

"  We  beg  leave  to  assure  your  excellency,  that 
we  have  the  highest  sense  of  your  ability  and  vir- 
tues ;  that  executing  your  orders  has  ever  given 
us  pleasure  ;  that  we  love  the  service,  and  we  love 
our  country  ;  but  when  that  country  u  so  lost  to 
virtue  and  to  justice  as  to  forget  to  support  its 
servants,  it  then  becomes  their  duty  to  retire  from 
its  service." 

Tii;  ground  adopted  by  the  officers  for  their 
justification',  was  such  as  interdicted  a  resort  to 
stern  measures;  at  the  same  ti.ac  a  compliance 
with  their  demands  was  impossible.  In  this  em- 
barrassing situation,  Washington  took  no  other  no- 
tice of  their  letter  thua  to  declare  to  the  officers, 
through  Gen:  Maxwell,  "that  wh.le  they  t/juU:i- 
ued  to  do  their  duty,  he  should  only  regret  the 
part  they  had  taken.7'  The  legislature  of  'N"\v 
Jersey,  roused  by  these  events,  made  some  partial 
provision  for  their  troops.  The  officers  whhdrew 
their  remonstrance,  and  continued  to  do  their  duty. 
11 


110 


THE  LIFE  OP 


The  consequences  likely  to  result  from  the 
measures  adopted  by  the  Jersey  officers  being  par- 
ried by  the  good  sense  and  prudence  of  Gen. 
Washington,  he  improved  the  event  when  com- 
municated to  Congress,  by  urging  on  them  the  ab- 
solute necessity  of  some  general  and  adequate  pro- 
vision for  the  officers  of  thrir  army  ;  and  observ- 
ed, "  that  the  distresses  in  some  corps  are  so  great, 
that  officers  have  solicited  even  to  be  supplied  with 
,<ilthe  clothing  destined  for  the  common  soldiery, 
coarse  and  unsuitable  as  it  was.  I  had  not  power 
to  comply  with  the  request. 

"  The  patience  of  men  animated  by  a  sense  of 
duty  and  honour,  will  support  them  to  a  certain 
point,  beyond  which  it  will  not  go.  I  doubt  not 
Congress  will  be  sensible  of  the  danger  of  an  ex- 
treme in  this  respect,  and  will  pardon  my  anxiety 
to  obviate  it" 

The  members  of  Congress  were  of  different 
opinions  respecting  their  military  arrangements. 
While  some  were  in  unison  with  the  General  for 
a  permanent  national  army,  well  equipped  and  am- 
ply supported,  others  were  apprehensive  of  dan- 
ger to  their  future  liberties  from  such  establish- 
ments, and  gave  a  preference  to  inlistments  for 
short  periods,  not  exceeding  a  year.  These  also 
\vere  partial  to  state  systems,  and  occasional  calls 
of  the  militia,  instead  of  a  numerous  regular  force, 
at  the  disposal  of  Congress  or  the  commander 
in  chief.  From  the  various  aspect  of  public  af- 
fairs, and  the  frequent  change  of  members  com- 
posing the  national  legislature,  sometimes  one  par- 
ty predominated,  and  sometimes  another.  On  the 
whole,  the  support  received  by  Washington  was 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  HI 

far  short  of  what  economy,  as  well  as  sound  poli- 
cy, required. 

The  American  army  in  these  years  was  not 
only  deficient  in  clothing,  but  in  food.  The  sea- 
sons both  in  1779  and  1780,  were  unfavourable 
to  the  crops.  The  labours  of  the  farmers  had  of- 
ten been  interrupted  by  calls  for  militia  duty. 
The  current  paper  money  was  so  depreciated  as 
to  be  deemed  no  equivalent  for  the  productions  of 
the  soil.  So  great  were  the  necessities  of  the 
American  army,  that  Gen.  Washington  was  oblig- 
ed to  call  on  the  magistrates  of  the  adjacent  coun- 
ties for  specified  quantities  of  provisions,  to  be  sup- 
plied in  a  given  number  of  days.  At  other  times 
he  was  compelled  to  send  out  detachments  of  his 
troops  to  take  provisions  at  the  point  of  the  bay- 
onet from  the  citizens.  This  expedient  at  length 
failed,  for  the  country  in  the  vicinity  of  the  army 
aiforded  no  further  supplies.  These  impressments 
were  not  only  injurious  to  the  morals  and 'disci- 
pline of  the  army,  but  tended  to  alienate  the  affec- 
tions of  the  people.  Much  of  the  support  which 
the  American  General  had  previously  experienced 
from  the  inhabitants,  proceeded  from  the  differ- 
ence of  treatment  they  received  from  their  own 
army  compared  with  what  they  suffered  from  the 
British.  The  General,  whom  the  inhabitants  hith- 
erto regarded  as  their  protector,  had  now  no  al- 
ternative but  to  disband  his  troops,  or  to  support 
them  by  force.  The  army  looked  to  him  for  pro- 
asions;  the  inhabitants  for  protection  of  their 
>roperty.  To  supply  the  one  and  not  offend  the 
»ther,  seemed  little  less  than  an  impossibility.  To 
reserve  order  and  subordination  in  an  army  of 


112 


THE  LIFE  OF 


free  republicans,  even  when  well  fed,  paid,  and 
clothed,  would  have  been  a  work  cf  difficulty ; 
but  to  retain  them  in  service  and  restrain  them 
with  discipline,  when  destitute  not  only  of  the 
comfort's,  but  often  of  the  necessaries  of  life,  re- 
quired address  and  abilities  of  such  magnitude  as 
are  rarely  found  in  human  nature.  In  this  choice 
of  difficulties,  Gen.  Washington  not  only  kept  his 
army  together,  but  conducted  with  so  much  dis- 
cretion as  to  command  the  approbation  both  of  the 
army  and  of  the  citizens. 

Nothing  of  decisive  importance  could  be  at- 
tempted with  an  army  so  b^dly  provided,  and  so 
deficient  in  numbers.  It  did  not  exceed  thirteen 
thousand  men,  while  the  British,  strongly  fortified 
in  New  York  and  Rhode  Island,  amounted  to  six- 
teen or  seventeen  thousand.  These  were  support- 
ed by  a  powerful  fleet,  which,  by  commanding 
the  coasts  and  the  rivers,  fin  rushed  easy  means  for 
concentrating  their  force  in  any  given  point  before 
the  Americans  could  march  to  the  same.  This 
disparity  was  particularly  striking  in  the  movements 
of  the  two  armies  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Hudson. 
Divisions  of  both  were  frequently  posted  on  each 
side  of  that  noble  river.  V>  hile  the  British  could 
cross  directly  over  and  unite  their  forces  in  any 
enterprise,  the  Americans  could  not  safely  effect  a 
correspondent  junction,  unless  they  took  a  consid- 
erable circuit  to  avoid  the  British  shipping. 

To  preserve  West  Point  and  its  dependences, 
was  a  primary  object  with  Washington.  To  se- 
cure these  he  was  obliged  to  refuse  the  pressing 
applications  from  the  neighbouring  states  for  large 
detachments  from  the  continental  army  for  thck 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  .113 

local  defence.  Early  in  the  year,  Sir  Henry  Clin- 
ton made  some  movements  up  the  North  River, 
which  indicated  an  intention  of  attacking  the  posts 
in  the  Highlands  ;  but  in  proportion  as  these  were 
threatened,  Washington  concentrated  his  force  for 
their  defence.  This  was  done  so  effectually,  that 
no  serious  direct  attempt  was  made  upon  them. 
Clinton,  hoping  to  allure  the  Americans  from 
these  fortresses,  sent  detachments  to  burn  and  lay 
waste  the  towns  on  the  coast  of  Connecticut. 
This  was  done  extensively.  Norwalk,  Fairfield, 
and  New  London,  were  destroyed.  Washington, 
adhering  to  the  principle  of  sacrificing  small  ob- 
jects to  secure  great  ones,  gave  no  more  aid  to 
the  suffering  inhabitants  than  was  compatible  with 
the  security  of  West  Point. 

Though  the  force  under  his  immediate  com- 
mand throughout  the  campaign  of  1779,  was  un- 
equal to  any  great  undertaking,  yet  his  active 
mind  sought  for  and  embraced  such  opportunities 
for  offensive  operations,  as  might  be  attempted 
without  hazarding  too  much. 

The  principal  expedition  of  this  kind,  was  di- 
rected against  the  Six  Nations  of  Indians,  who  in- 
habited the  fertile  country  between  the  western 
settlements  of  New  York  and  Pennsylvania,  and 
the  lakes  of  Canada.  These,  from  their  vicinity 
and  intercourse  with  the  white  people,  had  attain. 
ed  a  degree  of  civilization  exceeding  what  was 
usual  among  savages.  To  them,  many  refugee 
tories  had  lied,  and  directed  them  to  the  settle- 
ments, which  they  laid  waste,  and  at  the  same 
time  massacred  the  inhabitants*  In  the  early  pe- 
riod of  Washington's  life,  while  commander  of  the 
*" 


114 


Virginia  troops,  he  had  ample  experience  of  the 
futility  efforts  for  defence  against  Indians,  and  of 
the  superior  advantage  of  carrying  offensive  opera- 
tions into  thtir  towns  and  settlements.  An  inva- 
sion of  the  country  of  the  Six  Nations  being  re- 
solved upon,  the  commander  in  chief  bestowed 
much  thought  on  the  best  mode  of  conducting  it. 
The  instructions  he  gave  to  Gen.  .Sullivan,  who 
was  appointed  to  this  service,  were  very  particu- 
lar, and  much  more  severe  than  was  usual,  but  not 
more  so  than  retaliation  justified,  or  policy  recom- 
mended. Sullivan,  with  a  considerable  force, 
penetrated  into  the  country  of  the  Indians  in  three 
directions,  laid  waste  their  crops,  and  burnt  their 
towns.  His  success  was  decisive,  and  in  a  great 
measure  secured  the  future  peace  of  the  frontier 
settlements.  The  late  residence  of  the  savages 
was  rendered  so  far  uninhabitable,  that  they  were 
reduced  to  the  necessity  of  seeking  an  asylum  in 
the  more  remote  western  country. 

While  the  British  were  laying  waste  Connecti- 
cut, Washington,  after  reconnoitring  the  ground 
in  person,  planned  an  expedition  against  Stony 
Point,  a  commanding  hill  projecting  far  into  the 
Hudson,  on  the  top  of  which  a  fort  had  been 
erected,  which  was  garrisoned  with  about  six  hun- 
dred men.  One  of  the  motives  for  assaulting  this 
work,  was  the  hope  that,  if  successful,  it  might  in- 
duce the  detachment  which  had  invaded  Connect- 
icut, to  desist  from  their  devastations,  and  to  re- 
turn to  the  defence  of  their  own  outposts.  The 
enterprise  was  assigned  to  Gen.  Wayne,  who  com- 
pletely succeeded  in  reducing  the  fort  and  captur- 
ing its  garrison. 


GEO'RGB  WASHINGTON. 

Sir  Henry  Clinton,  on  receiving  intelligence'  of 
Wayne's  success,  relinquished  his  views  on  Con- 
necticut, and  made  a  forced  march  to  Dobb's  fer- 
ry, twenty  six  miles  above  New  York. 

The  reduction  of  Stony  Point  was  speedily  fol- 
lowed by  the  surprise  of  the  British  garrison  at 
Paules  Hook.  This  was  first  conceived  and  plan- 
ned by  Major  Henry  Lee.  On  being  submitted 
to  Gen,  Washington,  he  favoured  the  enterprise, 
but  withheld  his  full  assent,  till  he  was  satisfied  of 
the  practicability  of  a  retreat,  of  which  serious 
doubts  were  entertained.  Lee,  with  three  hun- 
dred men,  entered  the  fort  about  three  o'clock  in 
the  morning,  and  with  very  inconsiderable  loss, 
took  one  hundred  and  fifty  nine  prisoners,  and 
brought  them  off  in  safety  from  the  vicinity  of 
large  bodies  of  the  enemy. 

The  reasons  already  mentioned,  for  avoiding  all 
hazardous  offensive  operations,  were  strongly  en- 
forced by  a  well  founded  expectation  that  a  French 
fleet  would  appear  on  the  coast,  in  the  course  of 
the  year  1779.  Policy  required  that  the  Ameri- 
can army  should  be  reserved  for  a  co-operation 
with  their  allies.  The  fleet,  as  expected,  did  ar- 
rive, but  in  the  vicinity  of  Georgia.  The  French 
troops,  in  conjunction  with  the  southern  army, 
commanded  by  Gen.  Lincoln,  made  an  unsuccess- 
ful attempt  on  the  British  post  in  Savannah.  This 
town  had  been  reduced  in  December,  1778,  by 
Col.  Campbell,  who  had  proceeded  so  far  as  to- 
re-establish British  authority  in  the  state  of  Geor- 
gia. Soon  after  the  defeat  of  the  combined  forces 
before  Savannah,  and  the  departure  of  the  French 
fleet  from  the  coast,  Sir  Henry  Clinton  proceeded 


116  THE  LIFE  OF 

with  the  -principal  part  of  his  army  to  Charleston, 
and  confined  his  views  in  New  York  to  defensive 
operations. 

The  campaign  of  1779  terminated  in  the  north- 
ern states  as  has  been  related,  without  any  great 
events  on  either  side.  Washington  defeated  all 
the  projects  of  the  British  for  getting  possession 
of  the  Highlands.  The  Indians  were  scourged, 
and  a  few  brilliant  strokes  kept  the  public  mind 
from  despondence.  The  Americans  went  into 
winter  quarters  when  the  month  of  December  was 
far  advanced.  These  were  chosen  for  the  conve- 
nience of  wood,  water,  and  provisions,  and  with  an 
eye  to  the  protection  of  the  country.  To  this  end, 
the  army  was  thrown  into  two  grand  divisions. 
The  northern  was  put.  under  the  command  of  Gen. 
Heath,  and  stationed  with  a  view  to  the  security 
of  West  Point,  its  dependences,  and  the  adjacent 
country.  The  other  retired  to  Morristown  in 
New  Jersey.  In  this  situation,  which  was  well 
calculated  to  secure  the  country  to  the  southward 
of  New  York,  Washington,  with  the  principal  di- 
vision of  his  army,  took  their  station  for  the  win- 
ter. The  season  following  their  retirement,  was 
uncommonly  severe.  The  British  in  New  York 
and  Staten  Island  no  longer  enjoyed  the  security 
which  their  insular  situation  usually  afforded.  The 
former  suffered  from  tho  want  of  fuel,  and  other 
supplies  from  the  country.  To  add  to  their  diffi- 
culties, Washington  so  disposed  his  troops  as  to 
give  the  greatest  possible  obstruction  to  the  com- 
munication between  the  British  garrison,  and  such 
of  the  inhabitants  without  their  lines  as  were  dis- 
posed to  supply  their  wants.  This  brought  on  a 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  117 

partisan  war,  in  which  individuals  were  killed,  but 
without  any  national  effect.  'Had  Washington 
been  supported  as  he  desired,  the  weakness  of  the 
British  army,  in  consequence  of  their  large  de- 
tachments to  the  southward,  in  conjunction  with 
the  severity  of  the  winter,  would  have  given  him 
an  opportunity  for  indulging  his  native  spirit  of 
enterprise.  But  he  durst  not  attempt  any  thing  on 
a  grand  scale,  for  his  army  was  not  only  inferior 
in  number  to  that  opposed  to  him,  but  so  destitute 
of  clothing  as  to  be  unequal  to  a  winter  campaign. 


THE  LIFE  OP 


CHAPTER  VII. 


CAMPAIGN  OF  1780. 


Gen.  Washington  directs  an  expedition  against  Staten  Island Gives  an 

opinion  against  risking  an  army  for  the  defence  of  Charleston,  S.  C. 

Finds  great  difficulty  in  supporting  his  army Kniphausen  invades 

Jersey,  but  is  prevented  from  injuring  the  American  stores Mar- 
quis de  la  Fayette  arrives,  and  gives  assurances  that  a  French  fleet 
and  army  might  soon  be  expected  on  the  American  coast Energet- 
ic measures  of  co-operation  resolved  upon,  but  so  languidly  executed, 
that  Washington  predicts  the  necessity  of  a  more  efficient  system  of 
national  government A  French  fleet  and  army  arrives,  and  a  com- 
bined operation  against  New  York  is  resolved  upon,  but  the  arrival  Of 
a  superior  British  fleet,  deranges  the  whole  plan. 


THE  military  establishment  for  the  year  1780,  was 
nominally  thirty  five  thousand;  but  these  were 
not  voted  till  the  9th.  of  February,  and  were  not 
required  to  be  in  camp  before  the  first  of  April 
following.  Notwithstanding  these  embarrassments, 
the  active  mind  of  Washington  looked  round  for 
an  opportunity  of  deriving  some  advantage  from 
the  present  exposed  situation  of  his  adversary. 
From  recent  intelligence,  he  supposed  that  an  at- 
tack on  about  twelve  hundred  British,  posted  on 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

Staten  Island,  might  be  advantageously  made,  es- 
pecial! v  in  its  present  state  of  union  with  the  con- 
tint  nt,  by  an  unbroken  body  of  solid  ice.  The 
prospect  of  success  depended  on  the  chance  of  a 
surprise  ;  and  if  this  failed,  of  reducing  the  ene- 
my, though  retired  within  their  fortifications,  be- 
fore reinforcements  could  arrive  from  New  Yi:rk. 
The  vigilance  of  the  commanding  officer  prevent- 
ed the  first ;  the  latter  could  not  be  depended  on ; 
for,  contrary  to  the  first  received  intelligence,  the 
communication  between  the  island  and  the  city, 
though  difficult,  was  practicable.  The  works  were 
too  strong  for  an  assault,  and  relief  too  near  to  ad- 
mit the  delays  of  a  siege.  Lord  Stirling,  with  two 
thousand  five  hundred  men,  entered  the  island  on 
the  night  of  the  14th.  of  January.  An  alarm  was 
instantly  and  generally  communicated  to  the  posts, 
and  a  boat  despatched  to  New  York  to  communi- 
cate intelligence,  and  to  solicit  aid.  The  Ameri- 
cans, after  some  slight  skirmishes,  seeing  no  pros- 
pect of  success,  and  apprehensive  that  a  reinforce- 
ment from  New  York  might  endanger  their  safety, 
"very  soon  commenced  their  retreat.  This  was 
effected  without  any  considerable  loss  ;  but  from 
the  intenseness  of  the  cold,  and  deficiency  of  warm, 
clothing,  several  were  frost  bitten.' 

Soon  after  this  event,  the  siege  of  Charleston 
commenced,  and  was  so  vigorously  carried  on  by 
Sir  Henry  Clinton,  as  to  effect  the  surrender  of 
tint  place  on  the  12th.  of  May,  1780.  Gen. 
Washington,  at  the  distance  of  more  than  eight 
huiulrvJ  iiiies,  could  have  no  personal  agency  in 
defending  that  most  important  southern  mart. 


120  THE  LLFE  OK 

What  was  in  his  power  was  dojie,  for  he  weake ti- 
ed himself  by  detaching  from  the  army  under  his 
own  immediate  command,  the  troops  of  North 
Carolinajhe  new  levies  of  Virginia,  and  the  rem~ 
nants  of  the  southern  cavalry.  Though  he  had 
never  been  in  -Charleston,  and  was  without  any 
personal  knowledge  of  its  harbour,  yet  he  gave  an 
opinion  respecting  it,  which  evinced  the  sound- 
ness of  his  practical  judgment.  In  every  other 
case,  the  defence  of  towns  had  been  abandoned, 
so  fir  as  to  risk  no  armies  for  that  purpose  ;  but 
in  Sou  eh  Carolina,  Gen.  Lincoln,  for  reasons  that 
were  satisfactory  to  his  superiors,  adopted  a  diiTer- 
enc  line  of  conduct.  Four  continental  frigates  were 
ordered  to  the  defence  of  Charleston,  and  station- 
ed within  its  bar  ;  arid  a  considerable  state  marine 
force  co-opi  rated  with  them.  This  new  mode  of 
defence  was  the  more  readily  adopted,  on  the  gen- 
erally received  idea,  that  this  marine  force  could 
be  so  disposed  of  within  the  bar,  as  to  make  effec- 
tual opposition  to  the  British  ships  attempting  to 
cios^  it.  In  the  course  of  the  siege  this  was  fou  id 
to  be  impracticable,  and  all  ideas  of  disputing  thej 
passage  of  the  bar  were  given  up.  This  state  of 
things  being  communicated  by  Lieut.  Col.  John 
L'mens  to  Gen.  Washington,  the  General  replied, 
"  The  impracticability  of  defending  the  bar,  I  fear, 
amounts  to  the  loss  of  the  town  and  g  irnson.  At 
this  distance,  it  is  impossible  to  judge  for  you.  I 
have  the  greatest  confidence  in  Gen.  Lincoln 
p,  uck'iiee  ;  but  it  really  appears  to  me,  that  the 
propriety  of  attempting  to  defend  the  town,  de- 
pended on  the  probability  of  defending  the  bar, 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

and  that  when  thh  ceased,  the  attempt  ought  to 
have  been  relinquished.  In  this,  however,  I  sus- 
pend a  definitive  judgment ;  and  wish  you  to  con- 
sider what  I  say  as  confidential."  The  event  cor- 
responded with  the  General's  predictions.  The 
British  vessels,  after  crossing  the  bar  without  op- 
position, passed  the  forts  and  took  such  a  station 
in  Cooper  river,  as,  in  conjunction  with  the  land 
forces,  made  the  evacuation  of  the  town  by  the 
Americans  impossible,  and  finally  produced  the 
Surrender  of  their  whole  southern  army. 

When  intelligence  of  this  catastrophe  reached 
the  northern  states,  the  American  army  was  in  the 
greatest  distress.  This  had  beer^ften  represent- 
ed to  Congress,  and  was  particularly  stated  to  Gen. 
Schuyler  in  a  letter  .from  Gen.  Washington,  in  the 
following  words  ;  "  Since  the  date  of  my  last,  we 
have  had  the  virtue  and  patience  of  the  army  put 
to  the  severest  trial.  Sometimes  it  has  been  five  or 
six  days  together  without  bread  ;  at  other  times  as 
many  days  without  meat ;  and  once  or  twice  two  or 
three  days  without  either.  I  hardly  thought  it  pos- 
sible, at  one  period,  that  we  should  be  able  to  keep 
it  together,  nor  could  it  have  been  done,  but  for 
the  exertions  of  the  magistrates  in  the  several  coun- 
ties of  this  state,  on  whom  I  was  obliged  to  call ; 
expose  our  situation  to  them  ;  and,  in  plain  terms, 
declare  that  we  were  reduced- to  the  alternative  of 
disbanding  or  catering  for  ourselves,  unless  the  in- 
habitants would  afford  us  their  aid.  I  allotted  to 
each  county  a  certain  proportion  of  flour  or  grain, 
and  a  certain  number  of  cattle,  to  be  delivered  oa 
certain  days  ;  and,  for  the  honour  of  the  magis- 
trates, and  the  good  disposition  of  the  people,  I 
12 


122  THE  LIFE  OF 

must  add,  that  my  requisitions  were  punctually 
complied  with,  and  in  many  counties  exceeded. 
Nothing  but  this  great  exertion  could  have  saved 
the  army  from  dissolution  or  starving,  as  we  were 
bereft  of  every  hope  from  the  commissaries.  At 
one  time  the  soldiers  eat  every  kind  of  horse  food 
but  hay.  Buckwheat,  common  wheat,  rye,  and 
Indian  corn,  composed  the  meal  which  made  their 
bread.  As  an  army,  they  bore  it  with  most  hero- 
ic  patience  ;  but  sufferings  like  these,  accompani- 
ed by  the  want  of  clothes,  blankets,  &c.  will  pro- 
duce frequent  desertion  in  all  armies  ;  and  so  it 
happened  with  us,  though  it  did  not  excite  a  sin- 
gle mutiny."  £ 

The  paper  money  with  which  the  troops  were 
paid,  was  in  a  state  of  depreciation  daily  increas- 
ing.    The  distresses  from  this  source,  though  felt 
in  1778,  and  still  more  so  in  1779,  did  not  arrive 
to  the  highest  pitch  till  the  year  1780.     Under  the 
pressure  of  sufferings  from  this  cause,  the  officers 
of  the  Jersey  line  addressed  a  memorial  to  their  < 
state  legislature,  setting  forth  "  that  four  months  *i 
pay  of  a  private,  would  not  procure  for  his  family^ 
a  siiigle  bushel  of  wheat ;  that  the  pay  of  a  colonel 
would  not  purchase   oats  for  his  horse ;    that  a 
common  labourer  or  express  rider,  received  four 
times  as  much  as  an  American  officer,"     They 
urged  that  "  unless  a   speedy  and  ample  remedy 
\VT:,S  provided,  the  total  dissolution  of  their  h-ie  -. 
Was  inevitable."     In  addition  to  the  insufficiency 
of  their  pay  and  support,  other  causes  of  discon- 
tent"prevailed.     The  original  idea  of  a  continen- 
tal army  to  be  raised,  paid,  subsisted,  and  regu- 
lated. $upon  an  equal  and  uniform  principle,  had 

" 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON:  123 

been  in  a  great  measure  exchanged  for  state  estab- 
lishments. This  mischievous  measure  partly  orig- 
inated from  necessity  ;  for  state  credit  was  not 
quite  so  much  depreciated  as  continental.  Con- 
gress not  possessing  the  means  of  supporting  their 
army,  devolved  the  business  on  the  component 
parts  of  the  confederacy.  Some  states,  from  their 
internal  ability  and  local  advantages,  furnished 
their  troops  not  only  with  clothing,  but  with  many 
conveniences.  Others  supplied  them  with  some 
necessaries,  but  on  a  more  contracted  scale.  A 
few,  from  their  particular  situation,  could  do  lit- 
tle, or  nothing  at  all.  The  officers  and  men  in 
the  routine  of  duty  mixed  daily,  and  compared 
circumstances.  Those  who  fared  worse  than 
others,  were  dissatisfied  with  a  service  which  made 
such  injurious  distinctions.  From  causes  of  this 
kind,  superadded  to  a  complication  of  wants  and 
sufferings,  a  disposition  to  mutiny  began  to  show 
itself  in  the  American  army.  Very  few  of  the 
officers  were  rich.  To  make  an  appearance  suit- 
able to  their  station,  required  an  expenditure  of 
the  little  all  which  most  of  them  possessed.  The 
supplies  from  the  public  were  so  inadequate  as  to 
compel  frequent  resignations.  The  officers  of 
whole  lines  announced  their  determination  to  quit 
the  service.  The  personal  influence  of  General 
Washington  was  exerted  with  the  officers  in  pre- 
venting their  adoption  of  such  ruinous  measures^ 
and  with  the  states  to  remove  the  causes  which 
led  to  them. 

Soon  after  the  surrender  of  the  whole  southern 
army,  and  at  the  moment  the  northern  was  in  the 
greatest  distress  for  the  necessaries  of  life.  Gen, 


124  THE  LIFE  OP 

Kniphausen  passed  from  New  York  into  New  Jen- 
sey  with  five  thousand  men.  These  were  soon  re- 
inforced with  a  detachment  of  the  victorious  troops 
returned  with  Sir  Henry  Clinton  from  South  Car- 
olina. It  is  difficult  to  tell  what  was  the  precise 
object  of  this  expedition.  Perhaps  the  royal  com- 
manders hoped  to  get  possession  of  Morristown, 
and  destroy  the  American  stores.  Perhaps  they 
flattered  themselves  that  the  inhabitants,  dispirited 
by  the  recent  fall  of  Charleston,  would  submit 
without  resistance  ;  and  that  the  soldiers  would 
desert  to  the  royal  standard.  Sundry  movements 
took  place  on  both  sides,  and  also  smart  skir- 
mishes, but  without  any  decisive  effect.  At  one 
time  Washington  conjectured  that  the  destruction 
of  his  stores  was  the  object  of  the  enemy  ;  at  an- 
other, that  the  whole  was  a  feint  to  draw  off  his 
attention,  while  they  pushed  up  the  North  River 
from  New  York,  to  attack  West  Point.  The 
American  army  was  stationed  with  a  view  to  both 
objects.  The  security  of  the  stores  was  attended 
to,  and  such  a  position  taken,  as  would  compel 
the  British  to  fight  under  great  disadvantages,  if 
they  risked  a  general  action  to  get  at  them.  The 
American  General  Howe,  who  commanded  at  the 
Highlands,  was  ordered  to  concentrate  his  force 
for  the  security  of  West  Point ;  and  Washington, 
with  the  principal  division  of  his  army,  took  such 
a  middle  position,  as  enabled  him  either  to  fall 
back  to  defend  his  stores,  or  to  advance  for  the 
defence  of  West  Point,  as  circumstances  might 
require.  The  first  months  of  the  year  were  spent 
in  these  desultory  operations.  The  disasters  to 
the  south  produced  no  disposition  in  the  north  to 


££oii£rc  WASHINGTON.  125 

give  up  the  contest ;  but  the  tardiness  of  Congress 
and  of  the  states  ;  the  weakness  of  government, 
and  the  depreciation  of  the  money,  deprived  Wash- 
ington of  all  means  of  attempting  any  thing  be- 
yond defensive  operations. 

In  this  state  of  languor  Marquis  de  la  Fayette 
arrived  from  France,  with  assurances  that  a  French 
fleet  and  army  might  soon  be  expected  on  the 
coast.  This  roused  the  Americans  from  that  leth- 
argy into  which  they  seemed  to  be  sinking.  Re- 
quisitions on  the  states  for  men  and  money,  were 
urged  with  uncommon  earnestness.  Washing- 
ton, in  his  extensive  correspondence  throughout 
the  United  States,  endeavoured  to  stimulate  the 
public  mind  to  such  exertions  as  the  approaching 
crisis  required.  In  addition  to  arguments  form- 
erly used,  he  endeavoured  on  this  occasion,  by  a 
temperate  view  of  European  politics,  to  convince 
his  countrymen,  of  the  real  danger  of  their  inde- 
pendence, if  they  neglected  to  improve  the  advan- 
tages they  might  obtain  by  a  great  and  manly  ef- 
fort, in  conjunction  with  the  succours  expected 
from  France.  The  resolutions  of  Congress  for 
this  purpose  were  slowly  executed.  The  quotas 
assigned  to  the  several  states  were  by  their  respect-* 
ive  legislatures  apportioned  on  the-  several  coun- 
ties and  towns.  These  divisions  were  again  sub- 
divided into  classes,  and  each  class  was  called  up- 
on to  furnish  a  man.  This  predominance  of  state 
systems  over  those  which  were  national,  was  fore- 
seen jind  lamented  by  the  commander  in  chief. 
In  a  letter  to  a  member  of  the  national  legislature* 
he  observed,  "  that  unless  Congress  speaks  in  a 
more  decisive  tone  ;  unless  they  are  vested  with 
12* 


B«E  Of 

powers  by  the  several  states  competent  to  thd 
great  purposes  of  the  war,  or  assume  them  as  mat- 
ter of  right,  and  they  and  the  states  respectively 
act  with  more  energy  than  hitherto,  they  have  done ; 
our  cause  is  lost.  We  can  no  longer  drudge  on 
in  the  old  way.  By  ill  timing  the  adoption  of 
measures  ;  by  delays  in  the  execution  of  them,  or 
by  unwarrantable  jealousies,  we  incur  enormous 
expenses,  and  derive  no  benefit.  One  state  will 
comply  with  a  requisition  from  Congress ;  another 
neglects  to  do  it ;  a  third  executes  it  by  halves  ; 
and  all  differ  in  the  manner,  the  matter,  or  so  much 
in  point  of  time,  that  we  are  always  working  up 
hill ;  and  while  such  a  system,  as  the  present  one, 
or  rather  want  of  one,  prevails,  we  ever  shall  be 
unable,  to  apply  our  strength  or  resources  to  any 
advantage. 

"  This,  my  dear  sir,  is  plain  language  to  a  mem- 
ber of  Congress  ;  but  it  is  the  language  of  truth 
and  friendship.  It  is  the  'result  of  long  thinking, 
close  application,  and  strict  observation.  I  see  one 
head  gradually  changing  into  thirteen  ;  I  see  one 
army  Branching  into  thirteen  ;  and,  instead  of 
looking'  up  to  Congress  as  the  supreme  controlling 
power  of  the  United  States,  considering  themselves 
as  dependent  on  their  respective  states.  In  a 
word,  I  see  the  power  of  Congress  declining  too 
fast  for  the  consequence  and  respect  which  are  due 
to  them  as  the  great  representative  body  of  Amer- 
ica, and  am  fearful  of  the  consequences." 

From  the  embarrassments  which  cramped  the 
operations  of  Washington,  a  partial  temporary  re- 
lief was  obtained  from  private  sources.  When 
Congress  could  neither  command  money  nor  cre$- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  127 

it  for  the  subsistence  of  their  army,  the  citizens  of 
Philadelphia  formed  an  association  to  procure  a 
supply  of  necessary  articles  for  their  suffering  sold- 
iers. The  sum  of  three  hundred  thousand  dollars 
was  subscribed  in  a  few  days,  and  converted  into  a 
bank,  the  principal  design  of  which  was  to  pur- 
chase provisions  for  the  troops  in  the  most  prompt 
and  efficacious  manner.  The  advantages  of  this 
institution  were  great,  and  particularly  enhanced 
by  the  critical  time  in  which  it  was  instituted. 

The  ladies  of  Philadelphia,  abput  the  same  time, 
subscribed  large  donations  for  the  immediate  re- 
lief of  the  suffering  soldiers.  These  supplies, 
though  liberal,  were  far  short  of  a  sufficiency  for 
the  army.  So  late  as  the  20th.  of  June,  Gen. 
Washington  informed  Congress  that  he  still  la- 
boured under  the  painful  and  humiliating  embar- 
rassment of  having  no  shirts  to  deliver  to  the 
troops,  many  of  whom  were  absolutely  destitute 
of  that  necessary  article  ;  nor  were  they  much  bet- 
ter supplied  with  summer  overalls.  "  For  the 
troops  to  be  without  clothing  at  any  time,  he  add* 
ed,  is  highly  injurious  to  the  service,  and  distress- 
ing to  our  feelings  ;  but  the  want  will  be  more  pe- 
culiarly mortifying  when  they  come  to  act  with 
those  of  our  allies.  If  it  be  possible,  I  have  no 
doubt  immediate  measures  will  be  taken  to  relieve 
their  distress. 

"  It  is  also  most  sincerely  to  be  wished  that  there 
eould  be  some  supplies  of  clothing  furnished  to 
the  officers.  There  are  a  great  many  whose  con- 
dition is  miserable.  This  is,  in  some  instances, 
the  case  with  whole  lines.  It  would  be  well  for 
their  own  sakes,  and  for  the  public  good,  If  they 


128  THE  LIFE  OF 

could  be  furnished.  They  will  not  be  able,  when 
our  friends  come,  to  co-operate  with  us,  to  go  on 
a  common  routine  of  duty  ;  and  if  they  should, 
they  must  from  their  appearance  be  held  in  low1 


estimation." 


The  complicated  arrangements  for  raising  and 
supporting  the  American  army,  which  was  voted 
for  the  campaign,  were  so  tardily  executed  that 
when  the  summer  was  far  advanced,  Washington 
was  uninformed  of  the  force  on  which  he  might 
rely  ;  and  of  course  could  not  fix  on  any  certain 
plan  of  operations  for  the  combined  armies.  In 
a  letter  to  Congress  ha  expressed  his  embarrass- 
ment in  the  following  words  ;  "  The  season  is 
come  when  we  have  every  reason  to  expect  the 
arrival  of  the  fleet  ;  and  yet  for  want  of  this  point 
of  primary  consequence,  it  is  impossible  for  me  to 
form  a  system  of  co-operation.  I  have  no  basis 
to  act  upon,  and  of  course  were  this  generous  suc- 
cour of  our  ally  now  to  arrive,  I  should  find  my- 
self in  the  most  awkward,  embarrassing,  and  pain- 
ful situation.  The  General  and  the  Admiral,  as 
soon  as  they  approach  our  coast,  will  require  of 
me  a  plan  of  the  measures  to  be  pursued,  and  there 
ought  of  right  to  be  one  prepared  ;  but  circum- 
stanced as  I  am,  I  cannot  even  give  them  conjec- 
tures. From  these  considerations  I  yesterday  sug- 
gested to  the  committee  the  indispensable  necessi- 
ty of  their  writing  again  to  the  states,  urging  them 
to  give  immediate  and  precise  information  of  the 
measures  they  have  takf  n,  and  of  the  result.  The 
interest  of  the  states  ;  the  honour  and  reputation 
of  our  councils  ;  the  justice  and  gratitude  due  to 
our  allies  5  all  require  that  I  should  without  delay 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON,  129 

be  enabled  to  ascertain  and  inform  them  what  we 
can  or  cannot  undertake.  There  is  a  point  which 
ought  now  to  be  determined,  on  the  success  of 
which  all  our  future  operations  may  depend  ;  on 
which,  for  want  of  knowing  our  prospects,  I  can 
make  no  decision.  For  fear  of  involving  the  fleet 
and  army  of  our  allies  in  circumstances  which 
would  expose  tli|em,  if  not  seconded  by  us,  to  ma-_ 
terial  inconvenience  and  hazard,  I  shall  be  com- 
pelled to  suspend  it,  and  the  delay  may  be  fatal  to 
our  hopes."  g 

In  this  state  of  uncertainty,  Washington  medi- 
tated by  night  and  day  oltthe  various  contingen- 
ces  which  were  probable.  He  revolved  the  pos- 
sible situations  in  which  the  contending  armies 
might  be  placed,  and  endeavoured  to  prepare  for 
every  plan  of  combined  operations  which  future 
contingent  events  might  render  advisable.  - 

On  the  10th.  of  July  the  expected  French  fleet 
and  army  appeared  on  the  coast  of  Rhode  Island. 
The  former  consisted  of  seven  sail  of  the  line,  five 
frigates,  and  §ve  smaller  vessels.  The  latter  of 
six  thousand  men.  The  Chevalier  Terney  and 
Count  Rochambeau,  who  commanded  the  fleet 
and  army,  immediately  transmitted  to  Gen.  Wash* 
ington  an  account  of  their  arrival,  of  their  strength, 
their  expectations,  and  or=  iers.  At  that  time  not 
more  than  one  thousand  men  had  joined  the  Amer- 
ican army.  A  commander  of  no  more  than  com- 
mon firmness,  would  have  resigned  his  commis- 
sion in  disgust,  for  not  being  supported  by  his 
country.  Very  different  was  the  line  of  conduct 
adopted  by  Washington.  Trusting  that  the  pro  ra- 
ised support  would  be  forwarded  with  all  possible 


130  THE  LIFE  OP 

despatch,  he  sent  on  to  the  French  commanders 
by  the  Marquis  de  la  Fayette,  definite  proposals 
for  commencing  the  siege  of  New  York.  Of  this 
he  gave  information  to  Congress  in  a  letter,  in  the 
following  words  ;  "  Pressed  on  all  sides  by  a 
choice  of  difficulties,  in  a  moment  which  required 
decision,  I  have  adopted  that  line  of  conduct  which 
comported  with  the  dignity  and  ||ith  of  Congress, 
the  reputation  of  these  states,  and  the  honour  of 
our  arms.  I  have  sent  on  definitive  proposals  of 
co-operation  to  the  French  Gene^l  and  Admiral. 
Neither  the  period  of  the  season,  nor  a  regard  to 
decency,  would  perrni^delay.  The  die  is  cast ; 
and  it  remains  with  the  states  either  to  fulfil  their 
engagements,  preserve  their  credit,  and  support 
their  independence,  or  to  involve  us  in  disgrace 
and  defeat.  Notwithstanding  the  failures  pointed 
out  by  the  committee,  I  shall  proceed  on  the  sup- 
position that  they  will  ultimately  consult  their  own 
interest  and  honour,  and  not  suffer  us  to  fail  for 
the  want  of  means,  which  it  is  evidently  in  their 
power  to  afford.  What  has  been  dfene,  and  is  do- 
ing by  some  of  the  states,  confirms  the  opinion  I 
have  entertained,  of  sufficient  resources  in  the  coun- 
try. Of  the  disposition  of  the  people  to  submit  to 
any  arrangement  for  bringing  them  forth,  I  see  no 
reasonable  ground  to  doubt.  If  we  fail  for  .want 
of  proper  exertions  in  any  of  the  governments,  I 
trust  the  responsibility  will  fall  where  it  ought,  and 
that  I  shall  stand  justified  to  Congress,  rny  coun- 
tiy,  and  the  wor'd." 

The  filth  of  the  next  month,  August,  was  nam- 
ed as  the  day  when  the  French  troops  should  em- 
bark, and  the  American  army  assemble  in  Mor- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  131 

risania,  for  the  purpose  of  commencing  their  com- 
bined operations.  Very  soon  after  the  arrival  of 
the  French  fleet,  Admiral  Greaves  reinfopced  the 
British  naval  force  in  the  harbour  of  New  York, 
with  six  ships  of  the  line.  Hitherto  the  French 
had  a  naval  superiority.  Without  it,  all  prospect 
of  success  in  the  proposed  attack  on  New  York 
was  visionary  ;  but  this  being  suddenly  and  unex- 
pectedly reversed,  the  plan  for  combined  opera- 
tions became  eventual.  The  British  Admiral  hav- 
ing now  the  superiority,  proceeded  to  Rhode  Isl- 
and to  attack  the  French  in  that  quarter.  He  soon 
discovered  that  the  French  were  perfectly  secure 
fro:n  any  attack  by  sea.  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  who 
had  returned  in  the  preceding  month  with  his  vic- 
torious troops  from  Charleston,  embarked  about 
eight  thousand  of  his  best  men,  and  proceeded  as 
far  as  Huntingdon  Bay,  on  Long  Island,  with  the 
apparent  design  of  concurring  with  the  British 
fleet  in  attacking  the  French  force  at  Rhode  Island. 
When  this  movement  took  place,  Washington  set 
his  army  in  motion,  and  proceeded  to  Peek-skill.' 
Had  Sir  Henry  Clinton  prosecuted  what  appeared 
to  be  his  design,  Washington  intended  to  ha\v  At- 
tacked New  York  in  his  absence.  Preparations 
were  made  for  this  purpose,  but  Sir  Henry  Clin- 
tcii  instantly  turned  about  from  Huntingdon  Bay 
toward  New  York. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  French  fleet  and  army 
bdng  blocked  up  at  Rhode  Island,  were  incapac- 
itated from  co-operating  'with  the  Americans. 
Hopes  were  nevertheless  indulged,  that  by  the  ar- 
idvai  of  another  fleet  of  his  Most  Christian  Majes- 
ty, then  in  the  West  Indies,  under  the  command 


THE  LIFE  OF 

of  Count  de  Guichen,  the  superiority  would  be  so 
much  in  favour  of  the  allies,  as  to  enable  them  to 
prosecute  their  original  intention  of  attacking  New 
York.  When  the  expectations  of  the  Americans 
were  raised  to  the  highest  pitch,  and  when  they 
were  in  great  forwardness  of  preparation  to  act  in 
concert  with  their  allies,  intelligence  arrived  that 
Count  de  Guichen  had  sailed  for  France.  This 
disappointment  was  extremely  mortifying. 

Washington  still  adhered  to  his  purpose  of  at- 
tacking New  York  at  some  future  more  favoura- 
ble period.  On  this  subject  he  corresponded  with 
the  French  commanders,  and  had  a  personal  inter- 
view  with  them  on  the  twenty  first  of  September, 
at  Hartford.  The  arrival  of  Admiral  Rodney  on 
the  American  coast,  a  short  time  after,  with  eleven 
ships  of  the  line,  disconcerted  for  that  season,  all 
the  plans  of  the  allies.  Washington  felt  with  in- 
finite  regret,  a  succession  of  abortive  projects 
throughout  the  campaign  of  1780.  In  that  year, 
and  not  before,  he  had  indulged  the  hope  of  hap- 
pily terminating  the  war.  In  a  letter  to  a  friend, 
he  wrote  as  follows  ;  "  We  are  now  drawing  to  a 
close  an  inactive  campaign,  the  beginning  of  which 
appeared  pregnant  with  events  of  a  very  favoura- 
ble complexion.  I  hoped,  but  I  hoped  in  vain, 
that  a  prospect  was  opening  which  would  enable 
me  to  fix  a  period  to  my  military  pursuits,  and  re- 
store me  to  domestic  life.  The  favourable  dispo- 
sition of  Spain  ;  the  promised  succour  from  France ; 
the  combined  force  in  the  West  Indies  ;  the  dec- 
laration of  Russia,  acceded  to  by  other  powers  of 
Europe,  humiliating  the  naval  pride  and  power  of 
Great  Britain  ;  the  superiority  of  France  and  Spain 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  133 

by  sea,  in  Europe  ;  the  Irish  claims,  and  English 
disturbances,  formed  in  the  aggregate  an  opinion 
in  my  'breast,  which  is  not  very  susceptible  of 
peaceful  dreams,  that  the  hour  of  deliverance  was 
not  far  distant ;  for  that,  however  unwilling  Great 
Britain  might  be  to  yield  the  point,  it  would  not 
be  in  her  power  to  continue  the  contest.  But, 
alas !  these  prospects,  flattering  as  they  were  have 
proved  delusory  ;  and  I  see  nothing  before  us 
but  accumulating  distress.  We  have  been  half 
of  our  time  without  provisions,  and  are  likely  to 
continue  so.  We  have  no  magazines,  nor  money 
to  form  them.  We  have  lived  upon  expedients 
until  we  can  live  no  longer.  In  a  word,  the  histo- 
ry of  the  war  is  a  history  of  false  hopes  and  tem- 
porary devices,  instead  of  1sj«stem  and  economy. 
It  is  in  vain,  however,  to  look  back  ;  nor  is  it  our 
business  to  do  so.  "Our  case  is  not  desperate,  if 
virtue  exists  in  the  people,  and  there  is  wisdom 
among  our  rulers.  But,  to  suppose  that  this  great 
revolution  can  be  accomplished  by  a  temporary 
army  ;  that  this  army  will  be  subsisted  by  state 
supplies  ;  and  that  taxation  alone  is  adequate  to 
our  wants,  is,  in  my  opinion,  absurd." 


•    13 


134 


THE  LIFE  OF 


CHAPTER   VIII. 


CAMPAIGN  OF  1781. 


T,he  Pennsylvania  line  mutinies The  Jersey  troops  follow  their  exam- 
ple, but  are  quelbd  by  decisive  measures...  Gen.  Washington  com- 
mences a  military  journal,  detailing  the  wants  and  distresses  of  his  ar- 
my... .Is  invited  to  the  defe/ice  of  his  native  state,  Virginia,  but  de- 
clines.... Ktprimands  the  manager  of  his  private  estate  for  furnishing 
the  enemy  with  supplies,  to  prevent  the 'destruction  of  his  property. 
Extinguishes  the  incipient  flames  of  a  civil  war,  respecting  the  inde- 
pendence of  the  state  of  Vermont Plans  a  combined  operation 

against  the  British,  and  deputes  Lieut.  Col.  John  Laurens  to  solicit 
the  co-operation  of  the  French The  combined  forces  of  both  na- 
tions rendezvous  in  the  Chesapeak,  and  take  lord  Cornwallis  and  his 

army  prisoners  of  war Washington  returns  to  the  vicinity  of  New 

Yorkj  and  urges  the  necessity  of  preparing  for  a  new  campaign. 


year  1780  ended  in  the  northern  states  with 
disappointment,  and  the  year  1781  commenced 
with  mutiny.  In  the  night  of  the  first  of  January 
about  thirteen  hundred  of  the  Pennsylvania  line  pa- 
raded under  arms  in  their  encampment,  near  Mor- 
ristovvn,  avowing  a  determination  to  march  to  the 
seat  of  Congress,  and  obtain  a  redress  of  their 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 


135 


grievances,  without  which  they  would  serve  no 
longer.  The  exertions  of  Gen.  Wayne  and  the 
other  officers  to  quell  the  mutiny,  were  in  vain. 
The  whole  body  marched  off  with  six  field  pieces 
toward  Princeton.  They  stated  their  demands  in 
writing  ;  which  were,  a  discharge  to  all  who  had 
served  three  years,  an  immediate  payment  of  all 
that  was  due  to  them,  and  that  future  pay  should 
be  made  in  real  money  to  all  who  remained  in  the 
service.  Their  officers,  a  committee  of  Congress, 
and  a  deputation  from  the  executive  council  oi 
Pennsylvania,  endeavoured  to  effect  an  accommo- 
dation ;  but  the  mutineers  resolutely  refused  all 
terms,  of  which  a  redress  of  their  grievances  was 
not  the  foundation. 

To  their  demands  as  founded  in  justice,  the  civil 
authority  of  Pennsylvania  substantially  yielded. 
Intelligence  of  this  mutiny  was  communicated  to 
Gen.  Washington  at  New  Windsor,  before  any 
accommodation  had  taken  place.  Though  he  had 
been  long  accustomed  to  decide  in  hazardous  and 
difficult  situations,  yet  it  was  no  easy  matter  in 
this  delicate  crisis,  to  determine  on  the  most  prop- 
er course  to  be  pursued.  His  personal  influence 
had  several  times  extinguished  rising  mutinies. 
The  first  scheme  that  presented  itself  was,  to  re- 
pair to  the  camp  of  the  mutineers,  and  try  to  re- 
call them  to  a  sense  of  their  duty  ;  but  on  ma- 
ture reflection  this  was  declined.  He  well  knew 
that  their  claims  were  founded  in  justice,  but  he 
could  not  reconcile  himself  to  wound  the  disci- 
pline of  his  army,  by  yielding  to  their  demands 
while  they  were  in  open  revolt  with  arms  in  their 
hands.  He  viewed  the  subject  in  all  its  relations, 


136 


THE  LIFE  OF 


and  was  well  apprised  that  the  principal  grounds 
of  discontent  were  not  peculiar  to  the  Pennsylvania 
line,  but  common  to  all  his  troops. 

Il  force  was  requisite,  he  had  none  to  spare  with- 
out hazarding  West  Point  If  concessions  were 
unavoidable,  they  had  better  be  made  by  any  per- 
son  than  the  commander  in  chief.  After  that  due 
deliberation  which  he  always  gave  to  matters  of 
importance,  he  determined  against  a  personal  in- 
terference, and  to  leave  the  whole  to  the  civil  au- 
thorities, which  had  already  taken  it  up  ;  but  at  the 
same  time  prepared  for  those  measures  which 
would  become  necessary,  if  no  accommodation  took 
place.  This  resolution  was  communicated  to  Gen. 
Wayne,  with  a  caution  to  regard  the  situation  of 
the  other  lines  of  the  army  in  any  concessions  which 
might  be  made,  and  with  a  recommendation  to 
draw  the  mutineers  over  the  Delaware,  with  a  view 
to  increase  the  diffi  ulty  of  communicating  with 
the  enemy  in  New  York. 

The  dangerous  policy  of  yielding  even  to  the 
just  demands  of  soldiers  with  arms  in  their  hands, 
soon  became  apparent.  The  success  of  the  Penn- 
sylvania line  induced  a  part  of  that  of  New  Jersey 
to  hope  for  similar  advantages,  from  similar  con- 
duct. A  part  of  the  Jersey  brigade  rose  in  arms, 
and  making  the  same  claims  which  had  been  yield- 
ed to  the  Pennsylvanians,  marched  to  Chatham. 
Washington,  who  was  far  from  being  pleased  with 
the  issue  of  the  mutiny  in  the  Pennsylvania  line, 
determined  by  strong  measures  to  stop  the  prog- 
ress of  a  spirit  which  was  hostile  to  all  his  hopes. 
Gen.  Howe,  with  a  detachment  of  the  eastern 
troops,  was  immediately  ordered  to  march  against 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  137 

the  mutineers,  and  instructed  to  make  no  terms 
with  them  while  they  were  in  a  state  of  resistance ; 
and  on  their  surrender  to  seize  a  few  of  the  most 
active  leaders,  and  to  execute  them  immediately 
in  the  presence  of  their  associates.  These  orders 
were  obeyed ;  two  of  the  ringleaders  were  shot, 
and  the  survivers  returned  to  their  duty. 

Though  Washington  adopted  these  decisive 
measures,  yet  no  man  was  more  sensible  of  the 
merits  and  sufferings  of  his  army,  and  none  more 
active  and  zealous  in  procuring  them  justice.  He, 
improved  the  late  events,  by  writing  circular  let- 
ters to  the  states,  urging  them  to  prevent  all  future 
causes  of  discontent  by  fulfilling  their  engagements 
with  their  respective  lines.  Some  good  effects 
were  produced,  but  only  temporary,  and  far  short 
of  the  well  founded  claims  of  the  army.  Their 
wants  with  respect  to  provisions  were  only  par- 
tially supplied,  and  by  expedients,  from  one  short 
time  to  another.  The  most  usual  was  ordering 
an  officer  to  seize  on  provisions  wherever  found.  • 
This  differed  from  robbing  only  in  its  being  done 
by  authority  for  the  public  service,  and  in  the  offi- 
cer being  always  directed  to  give  the  proprietor  a 
certificate  of  the  quantity  and  quality  of  what  was 
taken  from  him.  At  first,  some  reliance  was 
placed  on  thtse  certificates,  as  vouchers  to  sup- 
port a  future  demand  on  the  United  States ;  but 
they  soon  became  so  common  as  to  be  of  little 
value.  Recourse  was  so  frequently  had  to  coer- 
cion, both  legislative  and  military,  that  the  people 
not  only  lost  confidence  in  public  credit,  but  be- 
came impatient  under  all  exertions  of  authority 


138  THE  LIFE  OF 

for  forcing  their  property  from  them.  About  this 
time  Gen.  Washington  was  obliged  to  apply  nine 
thousand  dollars  sent  by  the  state  of  Massachu- 
setts, for  the  payment  of  her  troops,  to  the  use  of 
the  Quarter  Master's  department,  to  enable  him  to 
transport  provisions  from  the  adjacent  states.  Be- 
fore he  consented  to  adopt  this  expedient,  he  had 
consumed  every  ounce  of  provision  which  had 
been  kept  as  a  reserve  in  the  garrison  of  West 
Point,  and  had  strained  impress  by  military  force 
to  so  great  an  extent,  that  there  was  reason  to  ap- 
prehend the  inhabitants,  irritated  by  such  frequent 
calls,  would  proceed  to  dangerous  insurrections. 
Fort  Schuyler,  West  Point,  and  the  posts  up  the 
North  River,  were  on  the  point  of  being  abandon- 
ed by  their  starving  garrisons.  At  this  period 
there  was  little  or  i.o  circulating  medium,  either 
in  the  iorm  of  paper  or  specie,  arid  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  the  American  army,  there  was  a  real 
want  of  necessary  provisions.  The  deficiency  of 
the  former  occasioned  many  inconveniences,  but 
the  insufficiency  of  the  latter  had  well  nigh  dis- 
solved the  arm/,  and  laid  the  country  in  every  di- 
rection open  to  British  excursions. 

O,i  the  first  of  May,  1781,  Gen.^  Washington 
commenced  a  military  journal.  The  following 
statement  is  extracted  from  it.  "  I  begin  at  this 
epoch  a,concise  journal  of  military  transactions, 
&.c.  I  lament  not  having  attempted  it  from  the 
commencement  of  the  war,  in  aid  of  rny  memory ; 
and  wish  the  multiplicity  of  matter  which  contin«. 
ually  surrounds  me,  and  the  embarrassed  state  of 
our*  affairs,  which  i.-s  Momentarily  calling  the  at- 
tention to  perplexities  of  one  kind  or  another, 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  139 

may  not  defeat  altogether,  or  so  interrupt  my 
present  intention  and  plan,  as  to  render  it  of  little 
avail. 

"  To  have  the  clearer  understanding  of  the  en- 
tries which  may  follow,  it  would  be  proper  to 
recite  in  detail,  our  wants  and  our  prospects ;  but 
this  alone  would  be  a  work  of  much  time  and 
great  magnitude.  It  may  suffice  to  give  the  sum 
of  them,  which  I  shall  do  in  few  words;  viz. 

4  Instead  of  having  magazines,  filled  with  pro- 
dsions,  we  have  a  scanty  pittance  scattered  here 
ind  there  in  the  distant  states. 

"  Instead  of  having  our  arsenals  well  supplied 
with  military  stores,  they  are  poorly  provided, 
and  the  workmen  all  leaving  them.  Instead  of 
having  the  various  articles  of  field  equipage  in 
readiness,  the  Quarter  Master  General  is-but  iiow 
applying  to  the  several  states  to  provide  these 
things  for  their  troops  respectively.  Instead  of 
having  a  regular  system  of  transportation  estab- 
lished upon  credit,  or  funds  in  the  Quarter  Mas- 
ter's hands  to  defray  the  contingent  expenses 
thereof,  we  have  neither  the  one  nor  the  other; 
and  all  that  business,  or  a  great  part  of  it,  being 
done  by  impressment,  we  are  daily  and  hourly 
oppressing  the  people,  souring  their  tempers,  and 
alienating  their  affections.  Instead  of  having  the 
regiments  completed  agreeable  to  the  requisitions 
of  Congress,  scarce  any  state  in  the  union  has  at 
tins  hour  one  eighth  part  of  its  quota  in  the  field, 
and  there  is  little  prospect  of  ever  getting  more 
than  half.  In  a  word,  instead  of  having  any  thing 
in  readiness  to  take  the  fit: id,  we  have  nothing; 
and,  instead  of  having  the  prospect  of  a  glorious 


140 


THE  LIFE  OF 


offensive  campaign  before  us,  we  have  a  bewilder- 
ed  and  gloomy  prospect  of  a  defensive  one  ;  unless 
we  should  receive  a  powerful  aid  of  ships,  troops, 
and  money,  from  our  generous  allies,  and  these  at 
pit  sent  are  too  contingent  to  build  upon/' 

While  the  Americans  were  suffering  the  com- 
plicated calamities  which  introduced  the  year  1781, 
thtir  adversaries  were  carrying  on  the  most  exten- 
sive plan  of  operations  against  them  which  had 
ever  been  attempted.  It  had  often  been  objected 
to  the  British  commanders,  that  they  had  not  con- 
ducted the  war  in  the  manner  most  likely  to  effect 
the  subjugation  of  the  revolted  provinces.  Mil- 
itary critics  found  fault  with  them  for  keeping  a 
large  army  idle  at  New  York,  which,  they  said, 
if  properly  applied,  would  have  been  sufficient  to 
make  successful  impressions  at  one  and  the  same 
time  on  several  of  the  states.  The  British  seem 
to  have  calculated  the  campaign  of  1781,  with  a 
view  to  make  an  experiment  of  the  comparative 
merit  of  this  mode  of  conducting  military  opera- 
tions. The  war  raged  in  that  year  not  only  in  the 
vicinity  oi  the  British  head  quarters  at  New  York, 
but  in  Georgia,  South  Carolina,  North  Carolina, 
and  in  Virginia. 

In  this  extensive  warfare,  Washington  could 
have  no  immediate  agency  in  the  southern  depart- 
ment. His  advice  in  corresponding  with  the  ofri- 
cers  commanding  in  Virginia,  the  Carolina^,  and 
Georgia,  was  freely  and  beneficially  given  ;  and 
as  large  detachments  sent  to  their  aid  as  could  be 
spared  consistently  with  the  security  of  West 
Point.  In  conducting  the  war,  his  invariable  max- 
im was,  to  suffer  the  devastation  of  property,  rath- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

er  than  hazard  great  and  essential  objects  for  its 
preservation.  While  the  war  raged  in  Virginia, 
the  Governor  thereof,  its  representatives  in  Con- 
gress, and  other  influential  citizens,  urged  his  re- 
turn to  the  defence  of  his  native  state.  But,  con- 
sidering America  as  his  country,  and  the  general 
safety  as  his  object,  he  deemed  it  of  more  impor- 
tance to  remain  on  the  Hudson  ;  there  he  was  not 
only  securing  the  most  important  post  in  the  Unit- 
ed States,  but  concerting  a  grand  plan  of  combin- 
ed operations,  which,  as  shall  soon  be  related,  not 
only  delivered  Virginia,  but  all  the  states,  from 
the  calamities  of  the  war. 

In  Washington's  disregard  of  property  when  in 
competition  with  national  objects,  he  was%  in  no 
respect  partial  to  hfs  own.  While  ^the  British 
/were  in  the  Potowmac,  they  sent  a  flag  on  shore 
to  Mount  Vernon,  his  private  estate,  requiring  a 
supply  of  fresh  provisions.  Refusals  of  such  de- 
mands were  often  followed  by  burning  the  houses 
and  other  property  near  the  river.  To  prevent 
this  catastrophe,  the  person  intrusted  with  the 
management  of  the  estate,  went  on  board  with  the 
flag,  and  carrying  a  supply  of  provisions,  request- 
ed that  the  buildings  and  improvements  might  be 
spared.  For  this  he  received  a  severe  reprimand 
in  a  letter  to  him,  in  which  the  General  observed; 
c  That  it  would  have  been  a  less  painful  circum- 
stance to  me  to  have  heard,  that,  in  consequence 
of  your  noncompliance  with  the  request  of  the 
British,  they  had  burnt  my  house,  and  laid  my 
plantation  in  rums.  You  ought  to  have  consider- 
ed yourself  as  my  representative,  and  should  have 
reflected  on  the  bad  example  of  communicating 


142  THE  LIFE  OF 

with  the  enemy,  and  making  a  voluntary  offer  of 
refreshment  to  them,  with  a  view  to  prevent  a  con- 
flagration." 

To  the  other  difficulties  with  which  Washing, 
ton  had  to  contend  in  the  preceding  years  of  the 
war,  a  new  one  was  about  this  time  added.  While 
the  whole  force  at  his  disposal  was  unequal  to  the 
dt  fence  of  the  country  against  the  common  enemy,' 
a  civil  war  was  on  the  point  of  breaking  out  among 
his  kllow  citizens.  The  claims  of  the  inhabitants 
of  Vermont  to  be  a  separate  independent  state, 
and  of  the  state  of  New  York,  to  their  country,  as 
within  its  chartered  limits,  -together  with  open 
offers  from  the  Royal  Commanders- to  establish 
and  defend  them  as  a  British  province,  produced 
a  serious  crisis,  which  called  for  the  interference 
of  the  American  chief.  This  was  the  more  nee-' 
.essary,  as  the  governments  of  New  York  and  of 
Vermont  were  both  resolved  on  exercising  a  juris- 
diction over  the  same  people  and  the  same  terri- 
tory. Congress,  wishing  to  compromise  the  con- 
troversy  on  middle  ground,  resolved,  in  August, 
176 1,  to  accede  to  the  independence  of  Vermont 
on  certain  conditions,  and  within  certain  specified 
limits,  which  they  supposed  would  satisfy  both 
parties.  Contrary  to  their. expectations,  this  me- 
diatorial act  of  the  national  legislature  was  rejected 
by  V  ermont,  and  yet  was  so  disagreeable  to  the1 
Legislature  of  New  York  as  to  draw  from  them  a 
spirited  protest  against  it.  Vermont  complained 
that  Congress  interfered  in  their  internal  police ; 
New  York  viewed  the  resolve  as  a  virtual  dis- 
memberment of  their  state,  which  was  a  constitu- 
ent part  of  the  confederacy.  Washington,  anxious 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

for  tfce  peace  of  the  union,   sent  a  message  to 
Chittcndcn,   Governor  of  Vermont,   desiring   to 
know  "  what  were  the  real  designs,  views,   and 
intentions,   of  the  people  of.  Vermont;  whether 
they   would   be   satisfied  with  the   independence 
proposed  by  Congress,  or  had  it  seriously  in  con- 
templation to  join  with  the  enemy,  and  become  a 
British   province."     The   Governor  returned  an 
unequivocal  answer ;   "  that  there  were  no  people 
on  the  contisient  more  attached  to  the   cause  of 
America  than  the   people   of  Vermont ;  but  they 
were  fully  determined   not  to  be  put  under  the 
government  of  New  York ;  that  they  would  op- 
sjpose  this  by  force  of  arms,  and  would  join  with 
;  the  British  in  Canada  rather  than  to  submit  to  that 
government."    While  both  states  were  dissatisfied 
L-  with  Congress,  and  their  animosities,  from  increas- 
|jing  violence   and  irritation,    became   daily  more 
I  alarming,  Washington,  aware  of  the  extremes  to 
I  which  ail  parties  were  tending,  returned  an  answer 
I  to  Gov.  Chittenden,  in  which  were  these  expres- 
sions.    "  It  is  not  my  business,  neither  do  I  think 
u  it  necessary  now  to  discuss  the  origin  of  the  right 
of  a  number  of  inhabitants  to  that  tract  of  country 
formerly  distinguished  by  the   name  of  the  \e\v 
ampshire   grants,  and  now  known  by  that  of 
ermont.     I  will  take  it  for  granted  that  their 
tight  was  good,  because  Congress  by  their  resolve 
"the  7th.   August,   imply  it,  and  by  that  of  the 
1st.  are  willing  fully  to  confirm  it,  provided  the 
w  state  is  confined  to  certain  described  bounds, 
appears  therefore  to  me,   that   the  dispute  of 
boundary  is  the  only  one  that  exists ;  and  that  be- 
ing removed,  all  other  difficulties  would  be  remov- 


144 


THE  LIFE  OF 


ed  also,  and  the  matter  terminated  to  the  satisfac- 
tion of  all  parties.  You  have  nothing  to  do  but 
withdraw  your  jurisdiction  to  the  confines  of  your 
old  limits,  and  obtain  an  acknowledgment  of  inde- 
pendence and  sovereignty,  under  the  resolve  of 
the  21st.  of  August,  for  so  much  territory  as  does 
not  interfere  with  the  ancient  established*  bounds 
of  New  York,  New  Hampshire,  and  Massachu- 
setts. In  my  private  opinion,  while  it  behooves 
the  delegates  to  do  ample  justice  to  a  body  of 
people  sufficiently  respectable  by  their  numbers, 
and  entitled  by  other  claims  to  be  admitted  into 
that  confederation,  it  becomes  them  also  to  attend 
to  the  interests  of  their  constituents,  and  see  that 
under  the  appearance  of  justice  to  one,  they  do  not 
materially  injure  the  rights  of  others.  I  am  apt 
to  think  this  is  the  prevailing  opinion  of  Con- 
gress." 

The  impartiality,  moderation,  and  good  sense, 
of  this  letter,  together  with  a  full  conviction  of  the 
disinterested  patriotism  of  the  writer,  brought 
round  a  revolution  in  the  minds  of  the  legislature 
of  Vermont ;  and  they  accepted  the  propositions 
of  Congress,  though  they  had  rejected  them  four 
months  before.  A  truce  among  the  contending 
parties  followed,  and  the  storm  blew  over.  Thus 
the  personal  influence  of  one  man,  derived  from 
his  pre-eminent  virtues  and  meritorious  services, 
extinguished  the  sparks  of  civil  discord  at  the 
time  they  were  kindling  into  flame.* 

*  For  more  particulars,  see  Williams's  History  of  Vermont ;  a  vorfc 
which,  for  its  superior  uK'rit,  des>er\es  a  place  in  every  Library,  li  the 
Author  had  been  aa  European,  this  would  probably  have  been  the  case 


CEOB6I:  WASHINGTON. 

Though  in  conducting  the  American  war,  Gen. 
Washington  often  acted  on  the  Fabian  system,  by 
evacuating,  retreating,  and  avoiding  decisive  en- 
gagements; yet  this  was  much  more  the  result  of 
necessity  than  of  choice.  His  uniform  opinion 
was  in  favour  of  energetic  offensive  operations,  as 
the  most  effectual  means  of  bringing  the  war  to  a 
termination.  On  this  principle  he  planned  at- 
tacks in*almost  every  year  on  some  or  other  of  the 
British  armies  or  strong  posts  in  the  United  States. 
He  endeavoured,  from  year  to  year,  to  stimulate 
the  public  mind  to  some  great  operation  ;  but 
was  never  properly  supported.  In  the  years  1778, 
1779,  and  1730,  the  projected  combined  opera- 
tions with  the  French,  as  has  been  related,  entire- 
ly miscarried.  The  idea  of  ending  the  war  by 
some  decisive  military  exploit,  continually  occu- 
pied his  active  mind.  To  ensure  success,  a  naval 
superiority  oil  the  coast,  and  a  loan  of  money,  were 
indispensably  necessary.  The  last  was  particular- 
ly so  in  the  year  1781  ;  for  the  resources  of  the 
United  States  were  then  so  reduced,  as  to  be  une- 
qual to  the  support  of  their  army,  or  even  to  the 
transportation  of  it  to  any  distant  scene  of  action. 
To  obtain  these  necessary  aids,  it  was  determined 
to  send  an  envoy  extraordinary  to  the  court  of 
Versailles.  Lieut.  Col.  John  Laurens  was  select- 
ed for  this  purpose.  He  was  in  every  respect 
qualified  for  the  important  mission.  In  addition 
to  the  most  engaging  personal  address,  his  con- 
nexion  with  the  commander  in  chief,  as  one  of  his 

soon  after  liis  enlightened  philosophical  History  had  crossed  the  Atlantic^ 
ahd  made  its  appearance  in  the  United  States. 

14 


140  THE  LIFE 

aids,  gave  him  an  opportunity  of  being  intimately 
acquainted  with  the  military  capacities  and  weak- 
nesses of  his  country.  These  were  also  particu- 
larly detailed  in  the  form  of  a  letter  to  him  from 
Gen.  Washington.  This  was  written  when  the 
Pennsylvania  line  was  in  open  revolt  Among 
other  interesting€matters  it  stated,  "  That  the  ef- 
forts already  made  by  the  United  States  exceeded 
the  natural  ability  of  the  country ;  and  mat  any 
revenue  they  were  capable  of  making  would  leave 
a  large  surplus  to  be  supplied  by  credit;  that  ex- 
perience had  proved  the  impossibility  of  support- 
ing a  paper  system  without  funds,  and  that  domestic 
loans  could  not  be  effected,  because  there  were 
few  men  of  monicd  capital  in  the  United  States ; 
that  from  necessity  recourse  had  been  had  to  mil- 
itary impressments  for  supporting  the  army,  which, 
if  continued  longer,  or  urged  farther,  would  proba- 
bly disgust  the  people,  and  bring  round  a  revolu- 
tion of  public  sentiment. 

"  That  the  relief  procured  by  these  violent 
means  was  so  inadequate,  that  the  patience  of  the 
army  was  exhausted,  and  their  discontents  had 
broke  out  in  serious  and  alarming  mutinies ;  that 
the  relief  necessary  was  not  withiu  the  power  of 
the  United  States ;  and  that  from  a  view  of  all 
circumstances,  a  loan  of  money  was  absolutely 
necessary  for  reviving  public  credit,  and  giving 
vigour  to  future  operations."  It  was  farther  stat- 
ed, "that  next  to  a  loan  of  money,  a  French  naval 
superiority  in  the  American  seas  was  of  so  much 
consequence,  that  without  it  nothing  decisive 
Qouiu  be  undertaken  against  the  British,  who  were 
in  the  greatest  force  on  and  near  the  coasts." 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON".  147 

The  future  capacities  of  the  United  States  to 
repay  any  loan  that  might  be  made,  were  partic*- 
ularly  stated  ;  and  that  "  there  was  still  a  fund 
of  resource  and  inclination  in  the  country  equal 
to  great  exertions,  provided  a  liberal  supply  of 
mrmey  would  furnish  the  means  of  stopping  the 
progress  of  disgust  which  resulted  from  the  un- 
popular mode  of  supplying  the  army  by  requisi- 
tion and  impressment." 

Such  interesting  statements,  sanctioned  by  the 
American  chief,  and  enforced  by  the  address  of 
Col.  Laurens,  directly  from  the  scene  of  action, 
and  the  influence  of  Dr.  Franklin,  who,  for  the 
five  preceding  years,  had  been  minister  plenipo- 
tentiary from  the  United  States  to  the  court  olT 
Versailles,  produced  the  desired  effect.  His 
Most  Christian  Majesty  gave  his  American  allies 
a  subsidy  of  six  millions  of  livres,  and  became 
their  security  for  ten  millions  more,  borrowed  for 
their  use  irj  the  United  Netherlands.  A  naval  co- 
operation was  promised,  and  a  conjunct  expedi- 
tion against  their  common  foes  projected. 

The  American  war  was  now  so  far  involved  in 
the  consequences  of  naval  operations,  that  a  su- 
perior French  fleet  seemed  to  be  the  hinge  on 
which  it  was  likely  soon  to  take  a  favourable  turn. 
The  British  army  being  parcelled  in  the  different 
seaports  of  the  United  States,  any  division  of  it, 
blocked  up  by  a  French  fleet,  could  not  long  re- 
sist the  superior  combined  force  which  might  be 
brought  to  operate  against  it.  The  Marquis  de 
Castries,  who  directed  the  marine  of  France  with 
great  precision,  calculated  the  naval  force  which 


148 


THE  LIFE  OF 


the  British  could  concentre  on  the  coast  of  the 
United  States,  and  disposed  his  own  in  such  a 
manner  as  ensured  him  a  superiority.  In  con- 
formity to  these  principles,  and  in  subserviency  to 
the  design  of  the  campaign,  M.  de  Grasse  sailed 
in  March,  1781,  from  Brest,  with  twenty  five  sail 
of  the  line,  several  then  sand  land  forces,  and  a 
large  convoy  amounting  to  more  than  two  hun- 
dred ships.  A  small  part  of  this  force  was  des- 
tined for  the  East  Indies  ;  but  M.  de  Grasse  with 
the  greater  part  sailed  for  Martinique. 

The  British  fleet  then  in  the  West  Indies  had 
been  previously  weakened  by  the  departure  df  a 
squadron  for  the  protection  of  the  ships  which 
were  employed  in  carrying  to  England  the  booty 
which  had  been  taken  at  St.  Eustatius.  The 
British  Admirals  Hood  and  Drake  were  detached 
to  intercept  the  outward  bound  French  fleet,  com- 
manded by  M.  de  Grasse  ;  but  a  junction  be- 
tween his  force  and  eight  ships  of  the  line,  and 
one  of  fifty  guns,  which  were  previously  at  Mar- 
tinique and  St.  Domingo,  was  nevertheless  effect- 
ed. By  this  combination  of  fresh  ships  from, Eu- 
rope, with  the  French  fleet  previously  in  the  West 
Indies,  they  had  a  decided  superiority.  M.  de 
Grasse  having  finished  his  business  in  the  West 
Indies,  sailed  in  the  beginning  of  August  with  a 
prodigious  convoy.  After  seeing  this  out  of  dan- 
ger, he  directed  his  course  for  tlie  Chesapeak, 
and  arrived  there  on  the  thirtieth  of  the  same 
month.  Five  days  before  his  arrival  in  the  Ches- 
apeak, the  French  fleet  in  Rhode  Island  sailed 
for  the  same  place.  These  fleets,  notwithstanding 


GEOKGE  WASHINGTON. 

their  original  distance  from  the  scene  of  action, 
and  from  each  other,  coincided  in  their  operations 
in  an  extraordinary  manner,  far  beyond  the  reach 
of  military  calculation.  They  all  tended  to  one 
object,  and  at  one  and  the  same  time  ;  and  that 
object  -was  neither  known  nor  suspected  by  the 
British,  till  the  proper  season  for  counteraction 
was  elapsed. 

This  coincidence  of  favourable  circumstances 
extended  to. the  marches  of  the  American  and 
French  land  forces.  The  plan  of  operations  had 
been  so  well  digested,  and  was  so  faithfully  exe- 
cuted by  the  different  commanders,  that  Gen. 
Washington  and  Count  Rochambeau  had  passed 
the  British  head  quarters  in  New  York,  and  were 
considerably  advanced  in  their  way  to  Yorktown, 
before  Count  de  Grasse  had  reached  the  Ameri- 
can coast.'  This  was  effected  in  the  following 
manner  ;  Mons.  de  Barras,  appointed  to  the  com- 
mand of  the  French  squadron  at  New  Port,  ar- 
rived at  Boston  with  despatches  for  Count  de  Ro- 
chambeau. An  interview  soon  after  took  place 
nt  Weathersficld,  between  Generals  Washington, 
Knox,  and  du  Fortail,  on  the  part  of  the  Ameri- 
cans, and  Count  de  Rochambeau  and  the  Cheva- 
lier Chastelleux,  on  the  part  of  the  French.  At 
this  Interview  an  eventual  plan  of  the  whole  cam- 
paign was  fixed.  This  was  to  lav  siege  to  Nc-w 
York,  in  concert  with  a  French  fleet,  which  was 
to  arrive  on  the  coast  in  the  month  of  August. 
It  was  agreed' that  the  French  troops  should  march 
toward  the  North  River.  Letters  were  addressed 
by  Gen.  Washington  to  the  executive  officers  of 
New  Hampshire,  Massachusetts,  Connecticut,  and 
14* 


THE  LIFE  OF 

Newr  Jersey,  requiring  them  to  fill  up  their  battal- 
ions, and  to  have  their  quotas  of  six  thousand  two 
hundred  militia  in  readiness  within  a  week  of  the 
time  they  might  be  called  for.  Conformably  to 
these  outlines  of  the  campaign,  the  French  troops 
marched  from  Rhode  Island  in  June,  and  early  in 
the  following  month  joined  the  American  army. 
At  the  same  time  Washington  marched  his  army 
from  their  winter  encampment  near  Peekskill  to  the 
vicinity  of  Kingsbridge.  Gen.  Lincoln  fell  down 
the  North  River  with  a  detachment  in  boats,  and  took 
possession  of  the  ground  where  Fort  Independence 
formerly  stood.  An  attack  was  made  upon  him, 
but  was  soon  discontinued. '  The  British  about  this 
time  retired  With  almost  the  whole  of  their  force 
to  York  Island.  Washington  hoped  to  be  able  to 
commence  operations  against  New  York  about  the 
middle,  or  at  farthest  the  latter  end  of  July.  Flat 
bottomed  boats  sufficient  to  transport  five  thousand 
men  were  built  nenr  Albany,  and  brought  down 
the  North  River  to  the  neighbourhood  of  the  Amer- 
ican army  before  New  York.  Ovens  were  erected^ 
©pposite  to  Staten  Island  for  the  use  of  the  French 
troops.  Every  movement  introductory  to  the  Com- 
mencement of  the  siege  was  made.  To  the  great 
mortification  of  Washington,  he  found  himself  on 
the2d.  of  August,  to  be  only  a  few  hundreds  strong- 
er than  he  was  on  the  day  his  army  first  moved 
from  their  winter  quarters.  To  have  fixed  on  a 
plan  of  operations  with  a  foreign  officer  at  the  head 
of  a  respectable  force  ;  to  have  brought  that  force 
from  a  considerable  distance  in  confident  expecta- 
tion of  reinforcements  sufficiently  large  to  com- 
mence effective  operations  against  the  common, 


(SEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

enemy  ;  and  at  the  same  time  to  have  engagements 
in  behalf  c$  the  states  violated  in  direct  opposi- 
tion to  their  own  interest,  and  in  a  manner  derog- 
atory to  his  personal  honour,  was  enough  to  have 
excited  storms  and  tempests  in  am  mind  less 
cairn  than  that  of  Gen.  \\  ashington.  He  bore 
this  hard  trial  with  his  usual  magnanimity,  and 
contented  himself  with  repeating  his  requisitions 
to  the  states ;  and  at  the  same  time  urged  them 
by  every  tie  to  enable  him  to  fulfil  engagements 
entered  into  on  their  account  with  the  commander 
of  the  French  troops. 

That  tardiness  which  at  other  times  had  brought 
the  Americans  near  the  brink  of  .ruin,  was  now 
the  accidental  cause  of  real  service.  Had  they 
sent  forward  their  recruits  for  the  regular  army, 
and  their  quotas  of  militia,  as  was  expected,  the 
siege  of  New  York  would  have  commenced  in  the 
latter  end  of  July,  or  early  in  August.  While  the 
season  was  wasting  away  in  expectation  of  these 
reinforcements,  lord  Cornwallis,*as  has  been  men- 
tioned, fixed  himself  near  the  Capes  of  Virginia. 
His  situation  there  ;  the  arrival  of  a  reinforcement 
of  three  thousand  Germans  from  Europe  to  New 
York  ;  the  superior  strength  ot  their  garrison  ;  the 
failure  of  the  states  in  filling  up  their  battalions 
and  embodying  their  militia  ;  and  especially  recent 
intelligence  from  Count  de  Grasse,  that  his  des- 
tination was  fixed  to  the  Chesapeak,  concurred 
about  the  middle  of  August  to  make  a  total  change 
of  the  plan  of  the  campaign. 

The  appearance  of  an  intention  to  attack  New 
York  was,  nevertheless,  kept  up.  While  this  de- 
ception was  played  off,  the  allied  army 


152  THE  LIFE  OF 

the  North  Rwer,  and  passed  on  by  the  way  of 
Philadelphia  through  the  intermediate:  country  to 
Yorktown.  .An  attempt  to  reduce  the  British 
force  in  Virginia  promised  success  with  more  ex- 
pedition, and  to  secure  an  object  of  nearly  equal 
importance  as  the  reduction  of  New  York. 

While  the  attack  of  New  York  was  in  serious 
contemplation,  a  letter  from  Gen.  Washington, 
detailing  the  particulars  of  the  intended  operations 
of  the  campaign,  being  intercepted,  fell  into  the 
hands  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton.  .  After  the  plan  was 
changed,  the  royal  commander  was  so  much  under 
the  impression  of  the  intelligence  contained  in  the 
intercepted  letter,  that  he  believed  every  move- 
ment toward  Virginia  to  be  a  feint  calculated  to 
draw  off  his  attention  from  the  defence  of  New 
York.  Under  the  influence  of  this  opinion,  he 
bent  his  whole  force  to  strengthen  that  post ;  and 
suffered  the  American  and  French  armies  to  pass 
him  without  molestation.  When  the  best  oppor- 
tunity of  striking  at  them  was  elapsed,  then  for  the 
first  time  he  was  brought  to  believe,  that  the  allies 
had  fixed  on  Virginia  for  the  theatre  of  their  com- 
bined operations.  As  truth  may  be  made  to  an- 
swer the  purposes  of  deception,  so  no  feint  of  at- 
tacking New  York  could  have  been  more  success- 
ful than  the  real  intention. 

In  the  latter  end  of  August,  the  American  ar- 
my began  their  march  to  Virginia  from  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  New  York.  Washington  had  ad- 
vanced as  fur  as  Chester,  before  he  received  the 
news  of  the  arrival  of  the  fleet  com'maiided  by  M. 
de  Grasse.  The  French  troops  marched  at  the 
same  time,  and  for  the  same  place.  Gen.  Wash- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  153 

ington  and  Count  Rochambeau  with  Generals 
Chastelleux,  dn  Portail,  and  Knox,  proceed*  d  to 
visit  Count  de  Grasse  on  board  his  ship,  the  Viile 
de  Paris,  and  agreed  on  a  plan  of  operations. 

The  Cbunf  afterward  wrote  to  Washington, 
that  in  case  a  British  fleet  appeared,  "  he  conceiv- 
ed that  he  ought  to  go  out  and  meet  them  at  sea, 
instead  of  risking  an  engagement  in  a -confined 
situation."  This  alarmed  the  General.  He  sent 
the  Marquis  de  la  Fayette  with  a  letter  to  dissuade 
him  from  the  dangerous  measure.  This  letter, 
and  the  persuasions  of  the  Marquis,  had  the  de- 
sired effect. 

The  combined  forces  proceeded  on  their  way 
to  Yorktown,  partly  by  land,  and  partly  down  the 
Chesapeak.  The  whole,  together  with  a  body  of 
Virginia  militia,  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Nel- 
son, rendezvoused  at  Williamsburg,  on  the  25th. 
of  September,  and  in  five  days  after  moved  down 
to  the  investiture  of  Yorktown.  The  French  fleet 
at  the  same  time  moved  to  the  mouth  of  York 
river,  and  took  a  position  which  was  calculated 
to  prevent  lord  Cornwallis  either  from  retreating, 
or  receiving  succour  by  water.  Previously  to  the 
march  from  Williamsburg  to  Yorktown,  Wash- 
ington gave  out  in  general  orders  as  follows  ;  "  If 
the  enemy  should  be  tempted  to  meet  the  army 
on  its  march,  the  General  particularly  enjoins  the 
troops  to  place  their  principal  reliance  on  the  bay- 
onet, that  they  may  prove  the  vanity  of  the  boast, 
which  the  British  make  of  their  particular  prowess, 
in  deciding  battles  with  that  weapon." 

The  works  erected  for  the  security  of  York- 
town  on  the  right,  were  redoubts  and  batteries2 


154 


THE  LIFE  OF 


with  a  line  of  stockade  in  the  rear.  A  marshy  ra- 
vine lay  in  front  of  the  right,  over  which  was 
placed  a  large  redoubt.  The  morass  extended 
along  the  centre,  which  was  defended  by  a  line 
of  stockade,  and  by  batteries.  Orrthe  left  of  the 
centre  was  a  hornwork  with  a  ditch,  a  row  of 
fraize,  and  an  abbatis.  Two  redoubts  were  ad- 
vanced  before  the  left.  The  combined  forces  ad- 
vanced, and  took  possession  of  the  ground  from 
which  the  British  had  retired.  About  this  time 
the  legion  cavalry  and  mounted  infantry  passed 
over  the  river  to  Gloucester.  Gen.  de  Choisy 
invested  the  British  post  on  that  side  so  fully,  as 
to  cut  off  all  communication  between  it  and  the 
country.  In  the  mean  time,  the  royal  army  was 
straining  every  nerve  to  strengthen  their  works, 
and  their  artillery  was  constantly  employed  in  im- 
peding the  operations  of  the  combined  army.  On 
the  ninth  and  tenth  of  October,  the  Americans 
and  French  opened  their  batteries.  They  kept  up 
a  brisk  and  well  directed  lire  from  heavy  cannon, 
from  mortars,  and  howitzers.  The  shells  of  the 
Besiegers  reached  the  ships  in  the  harbour  ;  the 
Charon  of  forty  four  guns,  and  a  transport  ship, 
were  burned.  The  besiegers  commenced  their 
second  parallel  two  hundred  yards  from  the  works 
of  the  besieged.  Two  redoubts  which  were  ad- 
vanced on  the  left  of  the  British,  greatly  impeded 
the  progress  of  the  combined  armies.  It  was 
therefore  proposed  to  carry  them  by  storm.  To 
excite  a  spirit  of  emulation,  the  reduction  of  the 
one  was  committed  to  the  French,  of  the  other  to 
the  Americans.  The  assailants  marched  to  the 
assault  with  unloaded  arms  ;  having  passed  the 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  155 

abbatis  and  palisades,  they  attacked  on  all  sides, 
and  carried  the  redoubt  in  a  few  minutes,  vvidi 
the  loss  of  eight  men  killed,  and  twenty  eight 
wounded. 

The  French*  were  equally  successful  on  their 
part.  They  carried  the  redoubt  assigned  to  them 
with  rapidity,  but  lost  a  considerable  number  of 
men.  These  two  redoubts  were  included  in  the 
second  parallel,  and  facilitated  the  subsequent  op- 
erations of  the  besiegers. 

By  this  time  the  batteries  of  the  besiegers  were 
covered  with  nearly  a  hundred  pieces  of  heavy 
ordnance,  and  the  works  of  the  besieged  were  so 
damaged  that  they  could  scarcely  sho\^  a  single 
gun.  Lord  Cornvvallis  had  now  no  hope  left,  but 
from* offering  terms  of  capitulation,  or  attempting 
an  escape.  He  determined  on  the  latter.  This, 
though  less  practicable  than  when  first  proposed, 
was  not  altogether  hopeless.  Boats  were  prepar- 
ed to  receive  the  troops  in  the  night,  and  to  trans- 
port them  to  Gloucester  point.  After  one  whole 
embarkation  had  crossed,  a  violent  storm  of  wind 
and  rain  dispersed  the  boats,  and  frustrated  the 
whole  scheme.  The  royal  army,  thus  weakened 
by  division,  was  exposed  to  increased  danger. 
Orders  were  sent  to  those  who  had  passed,  to  re- 
cross  the  river  to  Yorktown.  With  the  failure  of 
this  scheme,  the  last  hope  of  the  British  army  ex- 
pired. Longer  resistance  could  answer  no  good 
purpose,  and  might  occasion  the  loss  of  many  val- 
uable lives.  Lord  Cornwaiiis  therefore  wrote  a 
'letter  to  Gen.  Washington,  requesting  a  cessation 
of  arms  for  twenty  four  hours  ;  and  that  commis- 
sioners might  be  appointed  to  digest  ternia  of  ca- 


156 


THE  LIFE  OP 


pitulation.  This  was  agreed  to,  and  in  conse- 
quence thereof,  the  posts  of  York  and  Gloucester 
Were  surrendered  on  certain  stipulations  ;  the  prin- 
cipul  of  winch  were  as  follows  ;  *'  The  troops  ro 
be  prisoners  o*  war  to  Congress,  and*the  naval  force 
to  France  ;  the  officers  to  retain  their  side  arms 
and  private  property  of  every  kind  but  every  thi  g 
obviously  belonging  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  Unit. 
ed  States,  to  be  subject  to  be  reclaimed;  the 
soldiers  to  be  kept  1,1  Virginia,  Maryland  and 
Pennsylvania,  and  to  be  supplied  with  the  same  ra- 
tions as  are  allowed  to  soldiers  in  the  service  of 
Congress  ;  a  proportion  of  the  officers  to  march 
into  the  Country  with  the  prisoners,  the  rest  to  be 
allowed  to  proceed  on  paioie  to  Europe,  to  New 
York,  or  to  any  other  American  maritime  pofet  in 
possession  of  the  British."  The  honour  of  march- 
ing out  with  colours  flying,  which  had  been  refus- 
ed to  Gen.  Lincoln  on  his  giving  up  Charleston,, 
was  now  refused  to  Earl  Cornwallis ;  and  Gen. 
Lincoln  was  appointed  to  receive  the  submission 
of  the  roval  army  at  Yorktown,  precisely  in  the 
san.e  way  his  own  had  been  conducted  about 
eighteen  months  before. 

The  regular  troops  of  America  and  France,  em- 
ployed in  tins  siege,  consisted  of  about  five  thou- 
sand five  hundred  of  the  for  ner,  and  seven  thou- 
sand of  the  latter,  and  iru-v  were  assisted  by  about 
four  thousand  m.litia.  On  the  part  Of  the  com- 
bined army,  about  three  /hundred  were  killed  or 
wounded.  On  the  part  of  the  British  about  five 
hundred,  and  seventy  were  taken  in  the  redoubts, 
which  were  carried  by  assault  on  the  14i.li.  of  Oc- 
tober. The  troops  of  every  kind  that  surrendered 


UEORGE  WASHINGTON.  157 

prisoners  of  war,  exceeded  seven  thousand  men  ; 
but  so  great  was  the  number  of  sick  and  wound- 
ed, that  there  were  only  three  thousand  eight  hun- 
dred capable  of  bearing  arms. 

Congress  honoured  Gen.  Washington,  Count 
de  Rochanibeau,  Count  de  Grasse,  and  the  officers 
of  the  different  corps,  and  the  men  under  them, 
with  thanks  for  their  services  in  the  reduction  of 
lord  Cornwaliis.  The  whole  project  was  conceiv- 
ed with  profound  wisdom,  and  the  incidents  of  it 
had  been  combined  with  singular  propriety.  It 
is*  not  therefore  wonderful,  that  from  the  remarka- 
ble coincidence  in  all  its  parts,  it  was  crowned  with 
unvaried  success. 

General  Washington,  on  the  day  after,  the  sur- 
render, ordered  "  that  those  who  were  under  ar- 
rest, should- be  pardoned  and  set  at  liberty."  His 
orders  closed  as  follows  ;  "  Divine  service  shall 
Jjl  performed  tomorrow  in  the  different  brigades 
and  divisions.  The  commander  in  chief  recom- 
mends that  all  the  troops  that  are  not  upon  duty, 
do  assist  at  it  with  a  serious  deportment,  and  that 
sensibility  of  heart  which  the  recollection  of  the 
surprising  and  particular  interposition  of  Provi- 
dence in  our  favour  claims.''  The  interesting 
event  of  captivating  a  second  royal  army,  produc- 
ed strong  emotions,  which  broke  out  in  all  the  va- 
riety of  ways  in  which  the  most  rapturous  joy 
usually  displays  itself. 

After  the  capture  of  lord  Cornwaliis,  Washing- 
ton, with  the  greatest  part  of  his  army,  returned 
to  the  vicinity  of  New  York.  lu  the  preceding 
six  j'ears  he  had  been  accustomed  to  look  forward 
and  to  provide  1'or  all  possible  events.  In  the  hab- 
15 


158  THE  LIFE  OF 

it  of  struggling  with  difficulties,  his  courage  at  all 
times  grew  with  the  clangers  which  surrounded 
him.  In  the  most  disastrous  situations  he  was  tar 
removed  from  despair.  On  the  other  hand,  those 
fortunate  events  which  induced  many  to  believe 
that  the  revolution  was  accomplished,  never  op- 
erated on  him  so  far  as  to  relax  his  exertions  or 
precautions.  Though  complete  success  had  been 
obtained  by  the  allied  arms  in  Virginia,  and  great 
advantages  had  been  gained  in  1781  in  the  Caro- 
linas,  yet  Washington  urged  the  necessity  of  being 
prepared  for  another  campaign.  In  a  letter  to  Gen. 
Greene  he  observed,  "  I  shall  endeavour  to  stimu- 
late Congress  to  the  best  improvement  of  our  late 
success,  by  taking  the  most  vigorous  and  effectual 
measures  to  be  ready  for  an  early  and  decisive 
campaign  the  next  year.  My  greatest  fear  is  that, 
viewing  this  stroke  in  a  point  of  light  which  mav 
too  much  magnify  its  importance,  they  may  thi^l 
our  work  too  nearly  closed,  and  fall  into  a  state  or 
languor  and  relaxation.  To  prevent  this  error,  I 
shall  employ  every  means  in  my  power ;  and  if 
unhappily  we  sink  into  this  fatal  mistake,  no,  part 
of  the  blame  shall  be  mine." 


*  GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  159 


CHAPTER   IX. 


1782  and  1783. 

1'rospects  of  peace Languor  of  the  States Discontents  of  the  array. 

Gen.  Washington  prevents  the  adoption  of  rash  measures Some 

new  levies  in  Pennsylvania  mutiny,  and  are  quelled  ....  Washington 
recommends  measures  for  the  preservation  of  independence,  peace, 

liberty,  and  happiness Dismisses  his  army Enters  New   York. 

Takes  leave  of  his  officers Settles  his  accounts Repairs  to  Annap- 
olis .  Resigns  his  commission Retires  to  Mount  Vernon,  and  re- 

^ines  his  agricultural  pursuits. 


THE  military  establishment  for  1782,  was  passed 
with  unusual  celerity  shortly  after  the  surrender 
of  lord  Cornwallis  ;  but  no  exertions  of  America 
alone  could  do  more  than  confine  the  British  to 
the  sea  coast.  To  dislodge  them  from  their  strong 
holds  in  New  York  and  Charleston,  occupied  the 
unceasing  attention  of  Washington.  While  he 
was  concerting  plans  for  further  combined  opera- 
tions with  the  French,  and  at  the  same  time  en- 
deavouring by  circular  letters  to  rouse  his  coun- 
trymen to  spirited  measures,  intelligence  arrived 
that  sundry  motions  for  discontinuing  the  Ameri- 
can war  had  been  debated  in  the  British  Parlia- 
ment, and  nearly  carried.  Fearing  that  this  would 


160 


THE  LIFE  OF 


relax  the  exertions  of  the  states,  he  added  in  his 
circular  letters  to  their  respective  Governors,  "  I 
have  perused  these  debates  with  great  attention 
and  care,  with  a  view,  if  possible,  to  penetrate  their 
real  design  ;  and  upon  the  most  mature  delibera- 
tion I  can  bestow,  I  am  obliged  to  declare  it  as 
my  candid  opinion,  that  the  measure,  in  all  its 
views,  so  far  as  it  respects  America,  is  merely  de- 
lusory, having  no  serious  intention  to  admit  our 
independence  upon  its  true  principles  ;  but  is  cal- 
culated to  produce  a  change  of  ministers  to  quiet 
the  minds  of  their  own  people,  and  reconcile  them 
to  a  continuance  of  the  war  ;  while  it  is  meant  to 
amuse  this  country  with  a  false  idea  of  peace,  to 
draw  us  from  our  connexion  with  France,  and  to 
lull  us  into  a  state  of  security  and  inactivity  ;  which 
taking  place,  the  ministry  will  be  left  toprosecj^e 
the  war  in  other  parts  of  the  world  with  greater 
vigour  arid  effect.  Your  excellency  will  permit 
me  on  this  occasion  to  observe,  that  even  if  the 
nation  and  parliament  are  really  in  earnest  to  ob- 
tain peace  with  America,  it  will  undoubtedly  be 
wisdom  in  us  to  meet  them  with  great  caution 
and  circumspection,  and  by  all  means  to  keep  our 
arms  firm  in  our  hands  ;  and  instead  of  relaxing 
one  iota  in  our  exertions,  rather  to  spring  forward 
with  redoubled  vigour,  that  we  may  take  the  ad- 
vantage of  every  favourable  opportunity,  until  our 
wishes  are  fully  obtained.  No  nation  yet  suffered 
in  treaty  by  preparing,  even  in  the  moment  of  ne- 
gotiation, most  vigorously  for  the  field." 

Early  in  May,  Sir  Guy  Carleton,  who  had  suc- 
ceeded Sir  Henrv  Clinton  as  commander  in  chief 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  161 

Of  the  British  forces  in  America,  arrived  in  New- 
York,  and  announced  in  successive  communica- 
tions, the  increasing  probability  of  a  speedy  peace, 
and  his  disapprobation  of  fartl?er  hostilities,  which, 
he  observed,  "  could  only  tend  to  multiply  the 
miseries  of  individuals,  without  a  possible  advan- 
tage to  either  nation."  The  cautious  temper  of 
Washington  gradually  yielded  to  increasing  evi- 
dence that  the  British  were  seriously  inclined  to 
terminate  the  war  ;  but  in  proportion  as  this  opin- 
ion prevailed,  the  exertions  of  the  states  relaxed. 
Not  more  than  eighty  thousand  dollars  had  been 
received  from  all  of  them,  when  the  month  of 
August  was  far  advanced.  Every  expenditure 
yielded  to  the  subsistence  of  the  army.  A  suffi- 
ciency of  money  could  scarcely  be  obtained  for 
that  indispensably  necessary  purpose.  To  pay 
the  troops  was  impossible. 

Washington,  whose  sagacity  anticipated  events, 
foresaw  with  concern  the  probable  consequences 
likely  to  result  from  the  tardiness  of  the  states  to 
comply  with  the  requisitions  of  Congress.  These 
had  been  ample.  Eight  millions  of  dollars  had 
been  called  for,  to  be  paid  in  four  equal  quarterly 
instalments,  for  the  service  of  the  year  1782.  In 
a  confidential  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  Wash- 
ington observed,  "  I  cannot  help  fearing  the  re- 
su»t  of  reducing  the  army,  where  I  see  such  a 
number  of  men,  goaded  by  a  thousand  stings  of 
reflection  on  the  past,  and  of  anticipation  on  the 
future,  about  to  be  turned  into  the  world,  soured 
by  penury,  and  what  they  call  the  ingratitude  of 
the  public  ;  involved  in  debts  without  one  far- 
thing of  money  to  carry  them  home,  after  having: 


162  THE  LIFE  Of 

• 

spent  the  flower  of  their  days,  and  many  of  them 
their  patrimonies,  in  establishing  the  freedom  and 
independence  of  their  country,  and  having  suffer- 
ed every  thing  which  human  nature  is  capable  of 
enduring  on  this  side  of  death.  I  repeat  it,  when 
I  reflect  on  these  irritable  circumstances,  I  cannot 
avoid  apprehending  that  a  train  of  evils  will  follow, 
of  a  very  serious  and  distressing  nature. 

"  I  wish  not  to  heighten  the  shades  of  the  pic- 
ture so  far  as  the  real  life  would  justify  me  in  do- 
ing, or  I  would  give  anecdotes  of  patriotism  and 
distress,  which  have  scarcely  ever  been  paralleled, 
never  surpassed,  in  the  history  of  mankind.  But 
you  may  rely  upon  it ;  the  patience  and  long  suffer- 
ance of  this  army  are  almost  exhausted,  and  there 
never  was  so  great  a  spirit  of  discontent  as  at  this 
instant.  While  in  the  field,  it  may  be  kept  from 
breaking  out  into  acts  of  outrage  ;  but  when  we  re- 
tire into  winter  quarters,  unless  the  storm  be  pre- 
viously dissipated,  I  cannot  be  at  ease  respecting 
the  consequences.  It  is  high  time  for  a  peace.'' 

These  apprehensions  were  well  founded.  To 
watch  the  discontents  of  his  troops,  the  American 
ehief  continued  in  camp  after  they  had  retired  in- 
to winter  quarters,  though  there  was  no  prospect 
of  any  military  operation  which  might  require  his 
presence.  Soon  after  their  retirement,  the  officers 
presented  a  petition  to  Congress  respecting  their 
pay,  and  deputed  a  co  nmittee  of  their  body  to  so- 
licit their  interests  while  under  consideration.* 

Nothing  had  been  decided  on  the  claims  of  the 
army,  when  intelligence,  in  March,  1783,  arrived, 
that"  preliminary  and  eventual  articles  oi  peace 

*  bee  the  Appendix  for  this  petition. 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON1. 


163 


between  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain  had 
been  signed  on  the  30th.  of  the  preceding  Novem- 
ber, in  which  the  independence  of  the  United 
States  was  amply  recognised.  In  the  general  joy 
excited  by  this  event,  the  army  partook  ;  but  one 
unpleasant  idea  mingled  itself  with  their  exul- 
tations. They  suspected  that  as  justice  had  not 
been  done  to  them  while  their  services  were  indis- 
pensable, they  would  be  less  likel.  to  obtain  it 
when  they  ceased  to  be  necessary.  Their  fears  on 
this  account  were  increased  by  a  letter  which  about 
the  same  time  was  received  from  their  committee 
in  Philadelphia,  announcing  that  the  objects  which 
they  had  solicited  from  Congress  had  not  yet  been 
obtained.  Smarting  as  they  were  under  past  suf- 
ferings, and  present  wants,  their  exasperation  be- 
came violent  .  and  almost  universal.  While  they 
were  brooding  over  their  gloomy  prospects,  and 
provoked  at  the  apparent  neglect  with  which  they 
had  been  treated,  an  anonymous  paper  was  circu-  l 
lated,  proposing  a  meeting  of  the  General  and 
Field  Officers  on  the  next  day.  The  avowed  ob- 
ject of  this  meeting  was*  to  consider  the  late  letter 
from  their  committee  with  Congress,  and  what 
measures  should  be  adopted  to  obtain  that  redress 
of  grievances  which  they  seemed  to  have  solicited 
in  vain.  On  the  same  day  the  following  address 
was  privately  circulated. 

"  TO  THE  OFFICERS  OF  THE  ARMY. 
«*  GEN 


"  A  fellow  soldier,  whose  interest  and  affections  hind  him  strongly  to 
you  ;  whos^  p-st  sufferings  have  been  HH  great,  and  whose  future  fortune 
may  be  as  desperate  as  yours,  would  beg  leave  to  address  you.  Age  has 


164  THE  LIFE  OF 

its  claims,  and  rank  is  not  without  its  pretensions  to  advise  ;  but  though 
unsupported  hy  both,  he  flatters  himself  tbat  the  plain  language  of  sin- 
cerity and  experience,   will  neither  be  unheard  nor  unregarded.    Like 
many  of  you,  he  loved  private   life,  and  left  it  with  regret.     He  left  it, 
determined  to  retire  from  the  field  with  thy  necessity  that  called  him  to 
it,  and  not  till  then,"  not  till    the  enemies  of  his  country,  the  slaves  of 
power,  and  the  hirelings  of  injustice,  were  compelled  to  abandon  their 
schemes,  and  acknowledge  America  as  terrible  in  arms  as  she  had  been 
humble  in  remonstrance.     With  this  object  in  view,  lie  has  long  shared 
in  your  toils,  and  mingled  in  your  dangers ;  he  has  felt  the  cold  hand  of 
poverty  without  a  murmur,  and  has  seen  the  insolence  of  wealth  without 
a  sigh.     Hut,  too  much  under  the  direction  of  his  wishes,  and  sometimes 
weak  enough  to  mistake  desire  for  opinion,  he  has,  till  lately,  very  lately^ 
believed  in  the  justice  of  his  country.     He  hoped,  that  as  the  clouds  of 
adversity   scattered,  and   as  the   sunshine   of  peace  and  better  fortune 
broke  in  upon  us,  the  coldness  and  severity  of  government  would  relax, 
and  that,  more  than  justice,  \\\9\.  gratitudt  -would  blaze  forth  upon  those 
hands  which  had  upheld  her  in  the  darkest  stages  of  her  passage,  from 
impending  servitude  to  acknowledged  independence.     But.  faith  has  its- 
limits,  as  well  as  temper  ;  and  there  are   points  beyond   which   neither 
can  be  stretched,  without  sinking  into  cowardice,   or  plunging  into  cre- 
dul'tv.     This,  my  friends,  I  conceive  to  be  your  situation.     Hurried  to 
the  very  verge  of  both,  another  step   would   ruin   you  forever.     To  l;e 
tame  and  unprovoked  when  injuries  press  hard  upon  you,  is  more  than 
weakness  ;  but  to  look  up  for  kinder  usage,  without  one  manly  effort  of 
your  own.  would  fix  your  character,  and  show  the  world  how  richly  you 
deserve  those  chain?  you  broke.     To  guard  against  this  evil,  let  us  take 
a  review  of  the  -ground  upon  which  we  now  stand,  and  from  thence  car- 
ry our  thoughts  forward  for  a  moment,  into  the  unexplored  field  of  ex- 
pedient. 

"  Vfter  a  pursuit  of  seven  long  years,  the  object  for  which  we  set 
out  is  at  length  brought  within  our  reach  !  Yes,  my  friends,  that  suffer- 
ing courage  of  yours,  was  active  once  ;  it  has  conducted  the  United 
States  of  America  through  a  doubtful  and  a  bloody  war!  It  has  placed 
her  in  the  chair  of  independency,  a:.i!  peace  returns  again  to  bless — 
•whom  ?  A  country  willing  to  redress  your  wrongs,  cherish  your  worth, 
and  re'.vai";  your  services  ;  a  country  courting  your  return  to  private 
life,  with  tears  of  gratitude,  and  smiles  of  admiration  ;  longing  to  divide 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  165 

with  you  that  independency  wh'ch  your  gallantry  has  given,  and  those 
riches  which  your  wounds  have  preserved  ?  Is  this  the  case  ?  or  is  it 
rather,  a  country  that  tramples  upon  your  rights,  disdains  your  cries, 
and  insults  your  distresses  ?  Have  you  not,  more  than  ouce,  suggested 
your  wishes,  and  made  known  your  wants  to  Congress  ?  Wants  and 
wishes  which  grati.tude  and  policy  should  have  anticipated,  rather  than 
evaded.  And  have  you  not  lately,  in  the  meek  language  of  entreating 
memorial,  begged  from  their  justice,  what  you  would  no  longer  expect 
from  their  favour  ?  How  have  you  been  answered  ?  Let  the  letter  which 
you  are  called  to  consider  tomorrow,  make  reply. 

"  If  this,  then,  be  your  treatment,  while  the  swords  you  wear  are 
necessary  for  the  defence  of  America,  what  have  you  to  expect  from 
peace,  when  your  voice  shall  sink,  and  your  strength  dissipate  by 
division  ? 

*'  When  these  very  swords,  the  instruments  and  companions  of  your 
glory,  shall  be  taken  from  your  sides,  and  no  remaining  mark  of  military 
distinction  left,  but  your  wants,  infirmities,  and  scars  !  can  you  then 
consent  to  be  the  only  sufferers  by  this  revolution,  and  retiring  from  the 
field,  grovr  old  in  poverty,  wretchedness,  and  contempt  ?  (Jan  you  con- 
sent to  wade  through  the  vile  mire  of  dependency,  and  owe  the  misera- 
ble remnant  of  that  life  to  charity,  which  has  hitherto  been  spent  in 
honour  ?  If  you  can,  go  ;  and  carry  with  you  the  jest  of  tories,  and 
the  scorn  of  whigs  ;  the  ridicule,  and,  what  is  worse,  the  pity  of  the 
world  !  Go,  starve,  and  be  forgotten  !  But  if  your  spirit  should  revolt  at 
this  ;  if  you  ha-ve  sense  enough  to  discover,  and  spirit  enough  to  oppose 
tyranny,  under  whatever  garb  it  may  assume  ;  whether  it  be  the  plain 
coat  of  republicanism,  or  the  splendid  robe  of  royalty  ;  if  you  have  yet 
learned  to  discriminate  between  a  people  and  a  cause,  between  men  and 
principles;  awake!  attend  to  your  situation,  and  redress  yourselves.  If 
the  present  moment  be  lost,  every  future  effort  is  in  vain  ;  and  \ our 
threats  then  will  be  as  empty  as  your  entreaties  now.  1  would  Jidvise 
you,  therefore,  to  come  to  some  final  opinion,  upon  what  you  can  bear, 
and  what  you  will  sutler.  If  your  determination  be  in  any  proportion  to 
your  wrongs,  carry  your  appeal  from  the  justice  to  the  fears  of  gov-, 
eminent  ;  change  the  milk  and  \vster  style  of  your  last  memorial  ;  as- 
sume a  bolder  tone  ;  decent,  but  lively,  spirited,  and  determined  ;  «nd 
suspect  the  man  who  would  advise  to  more  moderation  and  longer  for- 
bcuranoe.  Let  two  or  three  men,  who  «an  feel  as  Avell  as  write,  be  aj»- 


166  THE  LIFE  OF 

pointed  to  draw  up  your  last  remonstrance ;  for  I  would  no  longer  give 
it  the  sueing,  soft,  unsuccessful  epithet  of  memorial.  Let  it  be  repre- 
sented, in  language  that  will  neither  dishonour  you  by  its  rudeness,  nor 
betray  you  by  its  fears,  what  has  been  promised  by  Congress,  and  what 
has  been  performed  ;  how  long  and  how  patiently  you  have  suffered  ; 
how  little  you  have  asked,  and  how  much  of  that  little  has  been  denied. 
Tell  them  that  though  you  were  the  first,  and  would  wish  to  be  the  last, 
to  encounter  danger;  though  despair  itself  can  never  drive  you  into  dis- 
honour, it  may  drive  you  from  the  field  ;  that  the  wound  often  irritated, 
and  never  healed,  may  at  length  become  incurable  ;  and  that  the  slight- 
est mark  of  indignity  from  Congress  now,  must  opei'ate  like  the  grave, 
and  part  you  for  ever  ;  that  in  any  political  event,  the  army  lias  its  al- 
ternative. If  peace,  that  nothing  shall  separate  you  from  your  arms  but 
death  ;  if  war,  that  courting  the  auspices  and  inviting  the  directions  of 
your  illustrious  leader,  you  will  retire  to  some  unsettled  country,  smile 
in  your  turn,  and  "  mock  when  their  fear  cometlvon."  But  let  it  rep- 
resent also,  that  should  they  complv  with  the  request  of  your  late  me- 
morial, it  would  make  you  more  happy,  and  them  more  respectable ; 
that  while  the  war  should  continue,  you  would  follow  their  standard 
into  the  field  ;  and  when  it  came  to  an  end,  you  would  withdraw  into 
the  shade  of  private  life,  and  give  the  world  another  subject  of  wonder 
and  applause  ;  an  army  victorious  over  its  enemies,  victorious  over  it- 
self" [ANONYMOUS. 3 

This  artful  address  found  in  almost  every  bo- 
som such  congenial  sentiments,  as  prepared  the 
Way  for  its  favourable  reception.  It  operated  like 
a  torch  on  combustible  materials.  The  passions 
of  the  army  quickly  caught  the  flame  it,,  was  well 
calculated  to  excite.  Every  appearance  threaten- 
ed that  the  proposed  convention  of  the  officers 
would  produce  an  explosion  which  might  tarnish 
the  reputation  of  the  army,  disturb  the  peace  of 
the  country,  and,  under  certain  circumstances, 
most  probably  terminate  in  the  subversion  of  the 
recent  liberties  of  the  new  formed  states. 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 


167 


Accustomed,  as  Washington  had  been,  to  emer- 
gencies of  great  delicacy  and  difficulty,  yet  none 
had  occurred,  which  called  more  pressingly  than 
the  present,  for  the  utmost  exertion  of  all  his  pow- 
ers.    He   knew  well  that  it  was  much  easier  to 
avoid  intemperate   measures  than  to  recede  from 
them  after  they  had  been  adopted.     He  therefore 
considered  it  as  a  matter  of  the  last  importance, 
to  prevent  the  meeting  of  the  officers  on  the  suc- 
ceeding day,  as  proposed  in  the  anonymous  sum- 
mons.    The  sensibilities  of  the  army  were  too 
high  to  admit  of  this  being  forbidden  by  authority, 
as  a  violation  of  discipline  ;  but  the  end  was  an- 
swered  in    another  way,    and   without  irritation. 
The  commander  in  chief,  in  general  orders,  notic- 
ed the  anonymous  summons,  as  a  disorderly  pro- 
ceeding, not  to  be  countenanced  ;  and  the  more 
effectually  to  divert  the  officers  from  paying  any 
attention  to  it,  he  requested  them  to  meet  for  the 
same  nominal   purpose,  but  on  a  day  four  days 
subsequent  to  the  one  proposed  bj^the  anonymous 
addresser.     The  intervening  period  was  improved 
in  preparing  the  officers  for  the  adoption  of  mod- 
erate measures.     Gen.  Washington  sent  for  one 
officer  after  another,  and  enlarged  in  private  on  the 
fatal    consequences,  and   particularly   the  loss  of 
character^  which  would  result  from  the  adoption 
of  intemperate  resolutions.     His  whole  personal 
influence  was  excited  to  calm  the  prevailing  agita- 
tion.    When  the  officers  assembled,  their  venera- 
ble chief  preparing  to  address  them,  found  his  eye- 
sight to  fail  him,  OH  which  he  observed,  "  My 
eyes  have  grown  dim  in  my  country's  service,  but 
I  never  doubted  of  its  justice ;"  and  then  proceed- 
ed as  follows  ; 


168  THE  LIFE  OF 

"  GEN  TLEMEX, 

"By  an  anonymous  summons,  an  attempt  has 
been  made  to  convene  you  together.  How  in- 
consistent  with  the  rules  of  propriety,  how  unmiii- 
tary,  and  how  subversive  of  all  order  and  disci- 
pline, let  the  good  sense  of  the  army  decide. 

"  In  the  moment  of  this  summons,  another  anon- 
ymous production  was  sent  into  circulation,  ad- 
dressed more  to  the  feelings  and  passions  than  to 
the  reason  and  judgment  of  the  army.     The  au- 
thor of  the  piece  is  entitled  to  much  credit  for  the 
goodness  of  his  pen ;  and  I  could  wish  he  had  as 
much  credit  for  the  rectitude  of  his  heart ;  for,  as 
men  see  through  different  optics,  and  are  induced, 
by  the  reflecting  faculties  of  the  mind,  to  use  dif- 
ferent means  to  attain  the  same  end,  the  author  of 
the  address  should  have  had  more  charity  than  to 
mark  for  suspicion,  the  man  who  should  recom- 
mend moderation  and  longer  forbearance  ;  or,  in 
other  words,  who  should  not  think  as  he  thinks, 
and  act  as  he  advises.     But  he  had  another  plan 
in  view,  in  which  candour  and  liberality  of  senti- 
ment, regard  to  justice,  and  love  of  country,  have 
no  part ;  and  he  was  right  to  insinuate  the  dark- 
est suspicion  to  effect  the  blackest  design;     That 
the  address  is  drawn  with  great  art,  and  is  design- 
ed to  answer  the  most  insidious  purposes ;   that  it 
is  calculated  to  impress  the  mind  with  an  idea  of 
premeditated  injustice  in  the  sovereign  power  of 
tin*  United  States,  *»nd  rouse  all  those  resentments 
which  must  unavoidably  flow  from  such  a  belief; 
that  vhe  st-cret  mover  of  this  scheme,  whoever  he 
may  bi ,   intended  to  u»ke  advantage   of  the  pas- 
sions, while  tht-v  were  warmed  by  the  recollection 
of  past  distresses,  without  giving  time  for  cool, 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

deliberate  thinking,  and  that  composure  of  mind 
which  is  so  necessary  to  give  dignity  and  stability 
to  measures,  is  rendered  too  obvious,  by  the  mode 
of  conducting  the  business,  to  need  other  proof 
than  a  reference  to  the  proceeding.  Thus  much, 
gentlemen,  I  have  thought  it  incumbent  on  me  to 
observe  to  you,  to  show  upon  what  principles  I 
opposed  the  irregular  and  hasty  meeting  which 
was  proposed  »/  have  been  held  on  Tuesday  last, 
and  not  because  I  wanted  a  disposition  to  give  you 
«very  opportunity,  consistent  with  your  own  hon- 
our and  the  dignity  of  the  army,  to  make  known 
your  grievances.  If  my  conduct  heretofore  has 
not  evinced  to  you,  that  I  have  been  a  faithful 
friend  to  the  army,  my  declaration  of  it  at  this 
time  would  be  equally  unavailing  and  improper. 
But  as  I  was  among  the  first  who  embarked  in 
the  cause  of  our  common  country  ;  as  I  have  nev- 
er left  your  side  one  moment,  but  when  called 
from  you  on  public  duty  ;  as  I  have  been  the 
constant  companion  and  witness  of  your  distress- 
es, and  not  among  the  last  to  feel  and  acknowledge 
your  merits  ;  as  I  have  ever  considered  my  own 
military  reputation  as  inseparably  connected  with 
that  of  the  army  ;  as  my  heart  Jus  ever  expanded 
with  joy  when  I  have  heard  its  praises,  and  my 
indignation  has  arisen  when  the  mouth  of  detrac- 
tion has  been  opened  against  it,  it  can  scarcely  be 
supposed,  at  this  late  stage  of  the  war,  that  I  am 
indifferent  to  its  interests.  But  how  are  they  to 
be  promoted  ?  The  way  is  plain,  says  the  anony- 
mous addresser.  If  war  continues,  remove  into 
the  unsealed  country  ;  there  establish  yourselves, 
and  leave  an  ungrateful  country  to  defend  itself. 
16 


'170  THE  LIFE  OF 

But  who  are  they  to  defend  ?  Our  wives,  our  chil- 
dren, our  farms,  and  other  property,  which  we 
leave  behind  us  ?  Or,  in  this  state  of  hostile  sep- 
aration, are  we  to  take  the  two  first,  the  latter  can- 
not be  removed,  to  perish  in  a  wilderness,  with 
hunger,  cold,  and  nakedness  ?  If  peace  takes  place, 
never  sheath  your  swords,  says  he,  until  you  have 
obtained  full  and  ample  justice.  This  dreadful 
alternative  of  either  deserting  our  country  in  the 
extremest  hour  of  her  distress,  or  turning  our  arms 
against  it,  which  is  the  apparent  object,  unless 
Congress  can  be  compelled  into  instant  compli- 
ance, has  something  so  shocking  in  it,  that  hu- 
manity revolts  at  the  idea.  My  God  !  what  can 
this  writer  have  in  view,  by  recommending  such 
measures  ?  Can  he  be  a  friend  to  the  army  ?  Can 
he  be  a  friend  to  this  country  ?  Rather  is  he  not 
an  insidious  foe  ?  some  emissary,  perhaps,  from 
New  York,  plotting  the  ruin  of  both,  by  sowing 
the  seeds  of  discord  and  separation  between  the 
civil  and  military  powers  of  the  continent  ?  And 
\vhut  a  compliment  does  he  pay  to  our  understand- 
ings, when  he  recommends  measures,  in  either 
alternative,  impracticable  in  their  nature  ?  But 
here,  gentlemen,  1  will  drop  the  curtain,  because 
it  would  be  as  imprudent  in  me  to  assign  my  reas- 
ons for  this  opinion,  as  it  would  be  insulting  to 
your  conception  to  suppose  you  stood  in  need  of 
them.  A  moment's  reflection  will  convince  eve- 
ry dispassionate  mind  of  the  physical  iir.pos.sil>:lity 
of  carrying  either  proposal  into  execution.  There 
might,  gentlemen,  be  an  impropriety  in  my  ;t-ik- 
ing  norice  in  this  address  to  you,  of  an  anonymous 
production  ;  but  the  manner  in  winch  thut  per- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  17 1> 

formance  has  been  introduced  to  the  army,  the 
effect  it  was  intended  to  have,  together  with  some 
other  circumstances,  will  amply  justify  my  obser- 
vations on  the  tendency  of  that  writing.  With 
respect  to  the  advice  given  by  the  author,  to  sus« 
pect  the  man  who  shall  recommend  moderate 
measures  and  longer  forbearance,  I  spurn  it,  as  ev- 
ery man  who  regards  that  liberty  and  reveres  that 
justice  for  which  we  contend,  undoubtedly  must ; 
for,  if  men  are  to  be  precluded  from  offering  their 
sentiments  on  a  matter  which  may  involve  the 
most  serious  and  alarming  consequences  that  can 
invite  the  consideration  of  mankind,  reason  is  cf 
no  use  to  us.  The  freedom  cf  speech  may  be 
taken  away,  and  dumb  and  silent  we  may  be  led, 
like  sheep,. to  the  slaughter.  I  cannot  in  justice 
to  my  own  belief,  and  what  I  have  great  reason  to 
eonteive  is  the  intention  of  Congress,  conclude 
this  address,  without  giving  it  as  my  deckled  opin- 
ion, that  that  honourable  body  entertain  exalted 
sentiments  of  the  services  of  the  army,  and  frorri 
a  full  conviction  of  its  merits  and  sufferings  will 
doit  complete  justice;  that  their  endeavours  to 
discover  and  establish  funds  for  this  purpose,  has 
been  unwearied,  and  will  not  cease  till  they  have 
succeeded,  I  have  not  a  dpubt.  But  like  all  other 
large  bodies,  where  there  is  a  variety  of  different 
interests  to  reconcile,  their  determinations  are  slow. 
Why  then  should  we  distrust  them  ?  and  in  con- 
sequence of  that  distrust,  adopt  measures  which 
may  cast  a  shade  over  that  glory  which  has  been 
so  justly  acquired,  and  tarnish  the  reputation  of 
an  army  which  is  celebrated  through  ail  Europe 
for  its  fortitude  and  patriotism  ?  And,  for  what  is 


172 


THE  l.Sl-'E  OF 


this  done  ?  To  bring  the  object  we  seek  nearer  ? 
No  ;  most  certainly,  in  my  opinion,  it  will  cast  it 
at  a  greater  distance.  For  myself,  and  I  take  no 
merit  in  giving  the  assurance,  being"  induced  to  it 
from  principles  of  ^n.tnude,  veracity,  and  jus- 
tice ;  a  grateful  sense  ot  the  confidence  you  have 
ever  placed  in  me  ;  a  recollection  of  the  cheerful 
assistance,  ar.d  prcrr.pt  obedience  1  have  experi- 
enced from  you,  under  every  vicissitude  of  for- 
tune, and  the  sincere  affection  I  feel  for  an  army  I 
have  so  long  had  the  honour  to  command,  will 
oblige  me  to  declare  in  this  public  and  solemn 
manner,  that  in  the  attainment  of  complete  justice 
for  all  your  toils  and  dangers,  and  in  the  gratifica- 
tion of  every  wish,  so  far  as  may  be  done  consist- 
ently with  the  great  duty  I  owe  my  country,  and 
those  powers  we  are  bound  to  respect,  you  may 
freely  command  my  services  to  the  utmost  e*tent 
of  my  abilities.  While  I  give  you  these  assuran- 
ces, and  pledge  myself  in  the  most  unequivocal 
manner  to  exert  whatever  ability  I  am  possessed 
of  in  your  favour,  let  me  entreat  you,  gentlemen, 
on  your  part,  not  to  take  any  measure,  which, 
viewed  in  the  calm  light  of  reason,  will  lessen  the 
dignity  and  sully  the  glory  you  have  hitherto  main- 
tained ;  let  me  request  you  to  rely  on  the  plight- 
ed faith  of  your  country,  and  place  a  full  confi- 
dence in  the  purity  of  the  intentions  of  Congress, 
that,  previous  to  your  dissolution  as  an  army,  they 
will  cause  all  your  accounts  to  be  fairly  liquidated, 
as  directed  in  the  resolutions  which  were  publish- 
ed to  you  two  days  ago  ;  and  that  they  will  adopt 
the  most  effectual  measures  in  their  power  to  ren- 
der ample  justice  to  you,  for  your  faithful  and 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  175 

meritorious  services.  And  let  me  conjure  you  in 
the  name  of  our  common  country,  as  you  value 
your  own  sacred  honour,  as  you  respect  the  rights 
of  humanity,  and  as  you  regard  the  military  and 
national  character  of  America,  to  express  your  ut- 
most  horror  and  detestation  of  the  man  who  wish- 
es, under  any  specious  pretences,  to  overturn  the 
liberties  of  our  country,  and  who  wickedly  at- 
tempts to  open  the  floodgates  of  civil  discord,  and 
deluge  our  rising  empire  in  blood. 

"  By  thus  determining  and  thus  acting,  you 
will  pursue  the  plain  and  direct  road  to  the  attain- 
ment of  your  wishes  ;  you  will  defeat  the  insidi- 
ous designs  of  our  enemies,  who  are  compelled 
to  resort  from  open  force  to  secret  artifice.  You 
will  give  one  more  distinguished  proof  of  unex- 
ampled patriotism  and  patient  virtue,  rising  supe- 
rior to  the  pressure  of  the  most  complicated  suf- 
ferings ;  and  you  will,  by  the  dignity  of  your  con- 
duct, afford  occasion  for  posterity  to  say,  when 
speaking  of  the  glorious  example  you  have  exhib- 
ited to  mankind,  *  Had  this  day  been  wanting, 
the  world  had  never  seen  the  last  stage  of  perfec- 
tion to*  which  human  nature  is  capable  of  attain* 
ing." 

The  address  being  ended,  Washington  with- 
drew.  No  person  was  hardy  enough  to  oppose 
the  advice  he  had  given.*  The  impression  made 

*  "It  was  happy  for  the  army  and  country,  that  when  hts  Excellen* 
cy  had  finished  and  withdrawn,  no  one  rose  and  observed,  '  That  Gen- 
eral Washington  was  about  to  quit  the  military  Hue  laden  with  honour, 
and  that  lie  had  a  considerable  estate  to  support  him  \vith  dignity,  but 
that  their  case  was  very  different-'  Had  such  ideas  been  thrown  out, 
and  properly  enlarged  upon,  the  meeting  would  probably  have  coflclui- 
ed  very  differently."  Gordon's  History,  vol.  4,  p.  357. 


THE  LIFE  OF 

by  his  address  was  irresistible.  The  happy 
merit  was  seized.  While  the  minds  of  the  offi- 
cers, softened  by  the  eloquence  of  their  beloved 
commander,  were  in  a  yielding  state,  a  resolution 
was  offered  and  adopted,  in  which  they  assured 
him  "  that  they  reciprocated  his  affectionate  ex- 
pressions with  the  greatest  sincerity  of  which  the 
heart  was  capable."  Before  they  dispersed,  they 
unanimously  adopted  several  other  resolutions,  in 
which  they  declared,  "  That  no  circumstance  of 
distress  or  danger  should  induce  a  conduct  that 
might  tend  to  sully  the  reputation  and  glory  they 
had  acquired  at  the  price  of  their  blood  and  eight 
years  faithful  service;  that  they  continued  to  have 
an  unshaken  confidence  in  the  justice  of  Congress 
and  their  country  ;  that  they  viewed  with  abhor- 
rence, arid  rejected  with  disdain,  the  infamous 
proposition  contained  in  a  late  anonymous  address 
to  the  officers  of  the  army." 

The  storm  which  had  been  long  gathering,  was 
suddenly  dissipated.  The  army  acquired  addi- 
tional reputation,  and  the  commander  in  chief 
gave  a  new  proof  of  the  goodness  of  his  heart,  and 
the  soundness  of  his  judgment.  Perhaps  in  no  in- 
stance did  the  United  States  receive  from  heaven 
a  more  signal  deliverance  through  the  hands  of 
Washington,  than  in  the  happy  termination  of  this 
serious  transaction.  If  ambition  had  possessed  a 
single  corner  of  his  heart,  ^;ie  opportunity  was  too 
favourable,  the  temptation  too  splendid,  to  have 
been  resisted.  But  his  soul  was  superior  to  such 
views,  and  his  love  of  country  so  ardent,  and  at 
th ;  same  time  so  pure,  that  the  charms  of  power, 
though  recommended  by  the  imposing  appearance 


GF.ORGE  WASHINGTON.  175 

of  procuring  justice  for  his  unrewarded  army, 
made  no  impression  on  his  unshaken  mind.  He 
viewed  the  character  of  a  patriot  as  superior  to 
that  of  a  sovereign*  To  be  elevated  to  supreme 
power,  was  less  in  his  esteem  than  to  be  a  good 
man. 

Instead  of  turning  the  discontents  of  an  unpaid 
army  to  his  own  aggrandizement.,  he  improved  the 
late  events  to  stimulate  Congress  to  do  them  jus- 
tice. His  letter  to  their  President  on  this  occasion 
was  as  follows* 

«  sin, 

"  The  result  of  the  proceedings  of  the  grand 
convention  of  the  officers,  which  I  have  the  hon- 
our of  enclosing  to  your  excellency  for  the  inspec- 
tion of  Congress,  will,  I  flatter  myself,  be  consid- 
ered as  the  last  glorious  proof  of  patriotism  which 
could  have  been  given,  by  men  who  aspired  to  the 
distinction  of  a  patriot  army ;  and  will  not  only 
confirm  their  claim  to  the  justice,  but  will  increase 


their  title  to  the  grati  ude  oA|heirf|ouiitry.  Hav- 
ing seen  the  proceedings  orWhe  part  of  the  army 
terminate  with  perfect  unanimity,  and  in  a  man- 
ner entirely  consonant  to  my  wishes  ;  being  i in- 
pressed  with  the  liveliest  sentiments  of  affection 
for  those  who  have  so  long,  so  patiently,  and  so 
cheerfully  suffered  and  fought  under  my  immedi- 
ate direction  ;  having  from  motives  of  justice,  du- 
ty, and  gratitude,  spontaneously  offered  myself  as 
an  advocate  for  their  rights  ;  and,  having  been  re- 
quested to  write  to  your  excellency,  earnestly  en- 
treating the  most  speedy  decision  of  Congress  up- 
on the  subjects  of  the  late  address  from  the  army 


176  THE  LIFE  OF 

to  that  honourable  body  ;  it  now  only  remains  foe 
me  to  perform  the  task  1  have  assumed,  and  to 
intercede  in  their  behalf,  as  I  now  do,  that  the 
sovereign  power  will  be  pleased  to  verify  the  pre- 
dictions I  have  pronounced  of,  and  the  confidence 
the  army  have  reposed  in,  the  justice  of  their  coun- 
try. And  here  I  humbly  conceive  it  is  altogether 
unnecessary,  while  I  am  pleading  the  cause  of  an 
army  which  have  done  and  suffered  more  than  any 
other  army  ever  did  in  the  defence  of  the  rights 
and  liberties  of  human  nature,  to  expatiate  on  their 
claims  to  the  most  ample  compensation  for  their 
meritorious  services,  because  they  are  known  per- 
fectly to  the  whole  world,  and  because,  although  the 
topics  are  inexhaustible,  enough  has  already  been 
said  on  the  subject.  To  prove  these  assertions, 
to  evince  that  my  sentiments  have  ever  been  uni- 
form, and  to  show  what  my  ideas  of  the  rewards 
in  question  have  always  been,  I  appeal  to  the  arch- 
ives of  Congress,  and  call  on  those  sacred  clepos- 
ites  to  witness  for  me.  And  in  order  that  my  ob- 
servations and  frgmjjuits  in  favour  of  a  future  ad- 
equate provision  for  ine  officers  of  the  army  may 
b.e  brought  to  remembrance  again,  and  considered 
in  a  single  point  of  view,  without  giving  Congress 
the  trouble  of  having  recourse  to  their  files,  I  will 
beg  leave  to  transmit  herewith  an  extract  from  a 
representation  made  by  me  to  a  committee  of 
Congress,  so  long  ago  as  the  29th.  of  January, 
1778,  and  also  the  transcript  of  a  letter  to  the 
President  of  Congress,  dated  near  Pasaic  Falls, 
October  llth.  1780. 

"  That  in  the  critical  and  perilous  moment  when 
$ie   last   mentioned   communication   was   made, 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  177 

there  was  the  utmost  danger  a  dissolution  of  the 
.army  would  have  taken  place,  unless  measures 
similar  to  those  recommended  had  been  adopted, 
will  not  admit  a  doubt.  That  the  adoption  of  the 
resolution  granting  half  pay  for  life  has  been  at- 
tended with  all  the  happy  consequences  I  had  fore- 
told, so  far  as  respected  the  good  of  the  service, 
let  the  astonishing  contrast  between  the  state  of 
the  army  at  this  instant,  and  at  the  former  period, 
determine.  And  that  the  establishment  of  funds, 
and  security  of  the  payment  of  all  the  just  de- 
mands of  the  army,  will  be.  the  most  certain  means 
of  preserving  the  national  faith,  and  future  tran- 
quillity of  this  extensive  continent,  is  my  decided 
opinion. 

"  By  the  preceding  remarks  it  will  readily  be 
imagined,  that  instead  of  retracting  and  repre- 
hending, from  farther  experience  and  reflection, 
the  mode  of  compensation  so  strenuously  ifrged 
in  the  enclosures,  I  am  more  and  more  confirmed 
in  the  sentiment ;  and  if  in  the  wrong,  suffer  me 
to  please  myself  with  the  grateful  delusion. 

"  For  if,  beside  the  simple  payment  of  their 
wages,  a  farther  compensation  is  not  due  to  the 
sufferings  and  sacrifices  of  the  officers,  then  have 
I  been  mistaken  indeed.  If  the  whole  army  have 
not  merited  whatever  a  grateful  people  can  be- 
stow, then  have  I  been  beguiled  by  prejudice,  and 
built  opinion  on  the  basis  of  error.  If  this  coun- 
try shoiild  not.  in  the  event  perform  every  thing 
which  has  been  requested  in  the  late  memorial  to 
Congress,  then  will  my  belief  become  vain,  and 
the  hope  that  has  been  excited,  void  of  foundation. 
And  if,  as  has  been  suggested  for  the  purpose  of 


178  THE  LIFE  OF 

inflaming  their  passions,  the  officers  of  the  arm) 
are  to  be  the  only  sufferers  by  this  revolution  ; 
'  if  retiring  from  the  field  they  are  to  grow  old  ir 
poverty,  arretchedness,  and  contempt  ;  if  they  are 
to  .wade  through  the  vile  mire  of  dependency,  and 
owe  the  miserable  remnant  of  that  life  to  charity, 
which  has  hitherto  been  spent  in  honour  ;'  then 
shall  1  have  learned  what  ingratitude  is  ;  then  shal' 
I  have  realized  a  tale  which  will  embitter  ever^ 
moment  of  my  future  life. 

"But  I  am  under  no  such  apprehensions  ;  a  coun- 
try rescued  by  their  arms  from  impending  ruin, 
will  never  leave  unpaid  the  debt  of  gratitude. 

"  Should  any  intemperate  or  improper  warmth 
have  mingled  itself  amongst  the  foregoing^  obser- 
vations, I  must  entreat  your  Excellency  ana  Con- 
gress, it  may  be  attributed  to  the  effusion  of  an 
honest  zeal  in  the  best  of  causes,  and  that  my  pe- 
culiar situation  may  be  my  apology  ;  and  I  hope 
I  need  not  on  this  momentous  occasion  make  any 
new  protestations  of  personal  disinterestedness, 
having  ever  renounced  for  myself  the  idea  of  pe- 
cuniary reward.  The  consciousness  of  having  at- 
tempted faithfully  to  discharge  my  duty,  and  the 
approbation  of  my  country,  will  be  a  sufficient  rec- 
ompense for  my  services. 

'•  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c.  &c. 

"  GEO :  WASHINGTON. 
"His  Excellency  the  President  in  Congress. " 

This  energetic  letter,  connected  with  recent 
events,  induced  Congress  to  decide  on  the  cL-ims 
of  the  army.  These  were  liquidated,  and  the 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  179 

amount  acknowledged  to  be  due  from  the  United 
States'. 

Soon  after  these  events,  intelligence  of  a  gener- 
al peace  was  received.  The  reduction  of  the  ar- 
my was  therefore  resolved  upon,, but  the  mode  of 
effecting  it  required  deliberation.  To  avoid  the 
inconveniences  of  dismissing  a  great  number  of 
soldiers  in  a  body,  furloughs  were  freely  granted 
on  the  application  of  individuals,  and  after  their 
dispersion,  they  were  not  enjoined  to  return.  By 
this  arrangement  a  critical  moment  was  got  over. 
A  great  part  of  an  unpaid  army  was  dispersed  over 
the  states  without  tumult  or  disorder. 

While  the  veterans  servitig  under  the  immedi- 
ate eye  of  their  beloved  commander  in  chief,  man- 

Jfested  the  utmost  good  temper  and  conduct,  a 
mutinous  disposition  broke  out  among  some  new 
levies  stationed  at  Lancaster,  in  Pennsylvania. 
About  eighty  of  this  description  m  irched  in  a 
body  to  Philadelphia,  where  they  were  joined  by 
some  other  troops,  so  as  to  amount  in  the  whole  to 
three  hundred.  They  marched  with  fixed  bayo- 
nets to  the  state  house,  in  which  Congress  and  the 
state  executive  council  held  their  sessions.  They 
placed  guards  at  every  door,  and  threatened  the 
president  and  council  of  the  state  with  letting  loose 
an  enraged  soldiery  upon  them,  unless  they  grant- 
ed their  demands  in  twenty  minutes.  As  soon  as 
this  outrage  was  known  to  Washington,  he  de- 

.  tached  Gen.  Howe  with  a  competent  force  to  sup- 
press the  mutiny.  This  was  effected  without 
bloodshed  before  his  arrival.  The  mutineers  were 
too  inconsiderable  to  commit  extensive  mischief; 
but  their  disgraceful  conduct  excited  the  greatest 


180  THE  LIFE  OF 


V  nation  in  the  breast  of  the  commander  i 
chi  i  which  was  expressed  in  a  letter  to  the  pres 
idctit  of  Congress  in  the  following  words.  "  Whil 
I  suffer  the  most  poignant  distress  in  observing 
thai  a  handful  of  men,  contemptible  in  numbers 
and  equally  so  in  point  of  service,  if  the  veterui 
troops  from  the  southward  have  not  been  seduce< 
by  their  example,  and  who  are  not  worthy  to  b 
called  soldiers,  should  disgrace  themselves  a>n 
their  country  as  the  Pennsylvania  mutineers  havi 
done,  by  insulting  the  sovereign  authority  of  th 
L;i  Led  Suites,  and  that  of  their  own,  I  feel  an  in 
expressible  satisfaction  that  even  this  behaviou 
cannot  stain  the  name  of  the  American  soldiery 
It  cannot  be  imputable  to,  or  reflect  dishonour  on 
the  arm}  at  large  ;  but  on  the  contrary,  it  will,  b] 
the  striking  contrast  ii  exhibits,  hold  up  to  publii 
view  the  other  troops  in  the  most  advantageou: 
point  of  light.  Upon  taking  all  the  circumstan 
ccs  into  consideration,  i  cannot  sufficiently  ex  pres; 
ruy  surprise  and  indignation  at  t  he  arrogance,  th< 
foil}',  and  the  wickedness,  oi  i»c  mutineers  ;  noi 
cm)  I  sufficiently  ad  •  ire  the  fidelity,  the  bravery 
and  patriotism,  which  must  for  ever  signalize  th< 
unsullied  character  of  the  OUKT  corps  of  our  ar- 
my.  For  when  we  consider  that  these  Pennsyl 
vania  levies  who  have  now  mutinied  are  recruit! 
and  soldiers  of  a  day,  who  have  not  borne  the  hea 
ai'id  burden  of  the  war,  and  who  can  have  in  reall 
ty  very  few  hardships  to  complain  of;  and  wher 
we  at  the  same  time  recollect  that  those  soldier; 
who  have  lately  been  furloughed  from  this  army 
are  the  vc-tenirs  vho  imve  p«»tiently  endured  hun- 
ger, nukxdiics^  cciid  cold  ;  who  have  suffered  anc 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON". 


181 


bled  without  a  murmur,  and  who,  with  perfect 
good  order,  have  retired  to  their  homes  without  a 
settlement  of  their  accounts  or  a  farthing  of  money 
in  their  pockets  ;  we  shall  be  as  much  astonished 
at  the  virtues  of  the  latter,  as  we  are^struck  with 
detestation  at  the  proceedings  of  the  Brmer."- 

While  arrangements  were  makmgjifor  the  final 
dismission  of  the  army,  Gen.  Washington  was 
looking  forward  with  anxiety  to  the  future  desti- 
nies of  the  United  States.  Much  of  his  attention 
was  devoted  to.  a  serious  consideration  of  such  es- 
tablishments as  the  independence  rx>f  his  country 
required.  On  these  subjects,  he  freely  communi- 
cated with  Congress,  and  recommended  that  great 
diligence  should  be  used  in  forming  a  well  regu- 
lated and  disciplined  militia  during  peace,  as  the 
best  means 'for  securing  the  future  tranquillity  and 
respectability  of  the  nation.  He  also  addressed 
the  following  circular  letter  to  the  Governors  of 
each  of  the  States. 


"  HEAD  QUARTERS,  Newburgh,  June  18, 
"SIR, 

"  The  object  for  which  I  had  the  honour  to  hold 
ail  appointment  in  the  service  of  my  country,  be- 
ing accomplished,  1  am  now  preparing  to  resign 
it  into  the  hands  of  .Congress,  and  return  to  that 
domestic  retirement,  which,  it  is  well  known,  I 
left  with  the  greatest  reluctance  ;  a  retirement  for 
which  I  have  never  ceased  to  sigh  through  a  long 
and  painful  absence,  in  which,  remote  from  the 
noise  and  trouble  or  the  world,  I  meditate  to  pass 
tHe  remainder  of  life,  in  a  state  of  undisturbed  re- 

ir 


THE  LIFE  OF 

pose  ;  but,  before  I  carry  this  resolution  into  ef- 
fect, I  think  it  a  duty  incumbent  on  me  to  make 
this  my  last  official  communication,  to  congratu- 
late you  on  the  glorious  events  which  heaven  has 
been  pleased  to  produce  in  our  favour ;  to  offer 
tny  sentiments  respecting  some  important  subjects, 
which  appear  to  me  to  be  intimately  connected 
with  the  tranquillity  of  the  United  States ;  to  take 
any  leave  of  your  excellency  as  a  public  charac- 
ter; and  to  give  my  final  blessing  to  that  country, 
in  whose  service  I  have  spent  the  prime  of  my 
life  ;  for  whose  sake  I  have  consumed  so  many 
anxious  days  and  watchful  nights,  and  whose  hap- 
piness, being  extremely  dear  to  me,  will  always 
constitute  no  inconsiderable  part  of  my  own. 

"  Impressed  with  the  liveliest  sensibility  on  this 
pleasing  occasion,  I  will  claim  the  indulgence  of 
dilating  the  more  copiously  on  the  subject  of  our 
mutual  felicitation.  When  we  consider  the  mag- 
aiitude  of  the  prize  we  contended  for,  the  doubt- 
ful nature  of  the  contest,  and  the  favourable  man- 
ner in  which  it  has  terminated  ;  we  shall  find  the 
greatest  possible  reason  for  gratitiuk;  and  rejoic- 
ing. This  is  a  theme  that  will  afford  infinite  de- 
light to  every  benevolent  and  liberal  mind,  wheth- 
er the  event  in  contemplation  be  considered  as  a 
source  of  present  enjoyment,  or  the  parent  of  fu- 
ture happiness  j  and  we  shall  have  equal  occasion 
to  felicitate  ourselves  on  the  lot  which  Providence 
j\as  assigned  us,  whether  we  view  it  in  a  natural,  a 
political,  or  moral  point  of  light, 

"  The  citizens  of  America,  placed  in  the  most 
enviable  condition,  as  the  sole  lords  and  proprie- 
tors of  a  vast  tract  of  continent,  comprehending  all 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

the  various  soils  and  climates  of  the  world,  and 
abounding  with  all  the  necessaries  and  convenient 
ces  of  life,  are  now,  by  the  late  satisfactory  pacifU 
cation,  acknowledged  to  be  possessed  of  absolute 
freedom  and  independency  ;  they  are  from  this  pe* 
riod  to  be  considered  as  the  actors  on  a  most  con- 
spicuous theatre,  which  seems  to  be  peculiarly  de« 
signed  by  Providence  for  the  display  of  human 
greatness  and  felicity.  Here  they  are  not  only 
surrounded  with  every  thing  that  can  contribute  to 
the  completion  of  private  and  domestic  enjoyment  j 
but  heaven  has  crowned  all  its  other  blessings,  by 
giving  a  surer  opportunity  for  political  happiness,, 
than  any  other  nation  has  ever  been  favoured  with. 
Nothing  can  illustrate  these  observations  more  forc- 
ibly than  a  recollection  of  the  happy  conjuncture 
of  times  and  circumstances,  under  which  our  re- 
public assumed  its  rank  among  the  nations.  The 
foundation  of  our  empire  was  not  laid  in  a  gloomy- 
age  of  ignorance  and  superstition,  but  at  an  epocha 
when  the  rights  of  mankind  were  better  under- 
stood and  more  clearly  defined,  than  at  any  formef 
period.  Researches  of.  the  human  mind  after  so- 
cial happiness  have  been  carried  to  a  great  extent; 
the  treasures  of  knowledge  acquired  by  the  labours 
of  philosophers,  sages, -and  legislators,  through  a 
long  succession  of  years,  are  laid  open  for  us,  and 
their  collected  wisdom  may  be  happily  applied  in 
the  establishment  of  our  forms  of  government. 
The  free  cultivation  of  letters,  the  unbounded  ex- 
tension of  commerce,  the  progressive  refinement 
of  manners,  the  growing  liberality  of  sentiment ; 
and,  above  all,  the  pure  and  benign  light  of  rev- 
elation, have  had  a  meliorating  influence  on  man- 


184 


TUB  LIFE  OF 


kind,  and  increased  the  blessings  of  society.  At 
this  auspicious  period,  the  United  States  came  in- 
to existence  as  a  nation  ;  and  if  their  citiztns  should 
not  be  completely  free  and  happy,  the  fault  will  be 
entirely  their  own. 

"  Sffch  is  our  situation,  and  such  are  our  pros- 
pects, hut  notwithstanding  the  cup  of  blessing  is 
thus  reached  out  tons;  notwithstanding-  happiness 
is  ours,  if  we  have  a  disposition  to  seize  the  oc- 
casion, and  make  it  our  own  ;  yet  it  appears  to 
me  tbtre  is  an  option  still  left  to  the  United  States 
of  America,  whether  they  will  be  respectable  and 
prosperous,  or  contemptible  and  miserable  as  a 
nation.  This  is  the  time  of  their  political  proba- 
tion ;  this  is  the  moment  when  the  eyes  of  the 
whole  world  are  turned  upon  them  ;  this  is  the 
time  to  establish  or  ruin  their  national  character 
for  ever  ;  this  is  the  favourable  moment  to  give 
such  a  tone  to  the  federal  government,  as  will  en- 
able it  to  answer  the  ends  of  its  institution  ;  or, 
this  nij y  be  the  ill  fated  moment  for  relaxing  the 
•powers  of  the  union,'  annihilating  the  cement  of 
the  conied  era  lion,  and  exposing  us  to  become  the 
sport  of  European  politics,  which  may  play  one 
state  against  another,  to  prevent  their  growing  im- 
portance, and  to  serve  their  own  interested  purpo- 
ses. For,  according  to  the  system  of  policy  the 
states  shall  adopt  at  this  moment,  they  will  stand 
or  fall  ;  and,  by  their  confirmation  or  lapse,  it  is 
yet  to  be  decided,  whether  the  revolution  must  ul- 
•timatt-ly  be  considered  as  a  blessing  or  a  curse  ;  a 
blessing  or  a  curse,  not  to  the  present  age  ulone, 
for  with  our  fate  will  the  destiny  of  unborn  mil* 
lions  be  involved. 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON 


185 


"  With  this  conviction  of  the  importance  of  the 
present  crisis,  silence  in  me  would  be  a  crime  ;  I 
will  therefore  speak  to  your  excellency  the  lan- 
guage of  freedom  and  sincerity,  without  disguise. 
I  am  aware,  however,  those  who  differ  from  me  in 
political  sentiments  may,  perhaps,  remark,  I  am 
stepping  out  of  the  proper  line  of  my  duty  ;  and 
they  may  possibly  ascribe  to  arrogance  or  osten- 
tation, what  I  know  is  alone  the  result  of  the  purest 
intention.  But  the  rectitude  of  my  own  heart, 
which  disdains  such  unworthy  motives  ;  the  part 
I  have  hitherto  acted  in  life  ;  the  determination  I 
have  formed  of  not  taking  any  share  m  public  bu- 
siness hereafter ;  the  ardent  desire  I  feel,  and  shall 
continue  to  manifest,  of  quietly  enjoy  ing  in  private 
life,  after  all  .the  toils  of  war,  the  benefits  of  a  wise 
and  liberal  government,  will,  I  flatter  myself,  soon- 
er or  later,  convince  my  countrymen,  that  I  could 
have  no  sinister,  views  in  delivering  with  so  little 
reserve  the  opinions  contained  in  this  address. 

"  There  arc  four  things  which  I  humbly  con- 
ceive are  essential  to  the  well  being,  I  may  even 
venture  to  say  to  the  existence,  of  the  United  States 
as  an  independent  power. 

"  1st.  An  indissoluble  union  of  the  states  under 
one  federal  head. 

"  2dly.  A  sacred  regard  to  public  justice. 

*'  3dly.  The  adoption  of  a  proper  peace  estab- 
lishment..  And, 

"  4th ly.  The  prevalence  of  that  pacific  and 
friendly  disposition  among  the  people  of  the  Unit- 
ed States,  which  will  induce  them  to  forget  their 
local  prejudices  and  policies  ;  to  make  those  mil- 


186  THE  LIF£ 


tual  concessions  which  are  requisite  to  the  gener- 
al prosperity  ;  and,  in  some  instances,  to  sacrifice 
their  individual  advantages  to  the  interest  of  the 
CO  nini  unity 

44  These  are  the  pillars  on  which  the  glorious 
fabric  of  our  independency  and  national  character 
must  be  supported.  Liberty  is  the  basis  ;  and 
\vhoever  would  dare  to  sap  the  foundation,  or  over- 
turn the  structure,  under  whatever  specious  pre- 
text he  maV  attempt  it,  will  merit  the  bitterest  ex- 
ecration, and  the  severest  punishment,  which  can 
be  inflicted  by  his  injured  country. 
'  "  Oa  the  three  first  articles  I  will  make  a  few 
observations  ;  leaving  the  last  to  the  good  sense 
and  serious  consideration  of  those  immediately" 


concerned. 


"  Under  the  first  head,  although  it  may  not  be 
necessary  or  proper  for  me  in  this  place  to  enter 
into  a  particular  disquisition  of  the  principles  of 
the  union,  and  to  take  up  the  great  ques.tion  which 
h;;s  been  frequently  agitated,  whether  it  be  expe- 
lih.sit  and  requisite  for  the  states  to  delegate  a  larg- 
er r.rouori:io!i  of  power  to  Congress,  or  not  ;  yet 
>;.  vs'iii  oe  a  part  of  my  duty,  and  that  of  every  true 
lot,  to  assert,  without  reserve,  and  to  insist 
upon  the  following  positions.  That  unless  the 
siaU  •:;  will  sutler  Congress  to  exercise  those  pre- 
r-.'v;  :;ives  they  are  visidoubtedl,  invested  with  by 
the  constitutor,  every  thing  must  very  rapidly 
ttnd  to  anarchy  and  confusion  ;  that  it  is  indispen- 
sable to  the  happiness  of  the  individual  states,  that 
there  should  be  lodged,  somewhere,  a  supreme 
pc\ver  to  regulitc  arid  govern  the  general  concerns 
ef  the  confederated  republic,  without  which  the 


fcRORGE  WASHINGTON". 


187 


union  cannot  be  of  long  duration  ;  that  there  must 
be  a  faithful  and  pointed  compliance  on  the  part 
of  every  state  with  the  late  proposals  and  demands 
of  Congress,  or  the  most  fatal  consequences  will 
ensue  ;  that  whatever  measures  have  a  tendency 
to  dissolve  the  union,  or  contribute  to  violate  or 
lessen  the  sovereign  authority,  ought  to  be  con- 
sidered as  hostile  to  the  liberty  and  independency 
of  America,  and  the  authors  of  them  treated  ac- 
cordingly'. And  lastly,  that  unless  we  can  be  en- 
abVd  by  the  concurrence  of  the  states  "to  partici- 
pate of  the  fruits  of  the  revolution,  and  enjoy  the 
essential  benefits  of  civil  society,  under  a  form  of 
government  so  free  and  uncorrupted,  so  happily 
guarded  against  the  danger  of  oppression,  as  has 
been  devised  arid  adopted  by  the  articles  of  con- 
federation, it  will  be  a  subject  «f  regret,  that  so- 
much  blood  and  treasure  have  been  lavished  for 
no  purpose  ;  that  so  many  sufferings  have  been 
encountered  without  a  compensation,  and  that  so 
many  sacrifices, have  been  made  in  vain.  Many 
other  considerations  might  here  be  adduced  to* 
prove,  that  without  an  entire  conformity  to  the 
spirit  of  the  union,  we  cannot  exist  as  an  indepen^ 
dent  power.  It  will  be  sufficient  for  my  purpose 
to  mention  but,  one  or  two,  which  seem  to  me  of 
the  greatest  importance.  It  is  only  in  our  united 
character,  as  an  empire,  that  our  independence  is 
acknowledged,  that  our  power  can  be  regarded,  or 
our  credit  supported  among  foreign  nations.  The 
treaties  of  the:  European  powers  with  ihe  United 
States  of  America,  will  have  no  validity  on  a  dis- 
solution of  the  union.  We  shall  be  left  nearly  in 
a  state  of  nature  ;  or  we  may  find,  by  our  own  un- 


188  THE  LIFE  OF 

happy  experience,  that  there  is  a  natural  and  nec- 
essary progression  from  the  extreme  of  anarchy  to 
the  extreme  of  tyranny  ;  and  that  arbitrary  power 
is  most  easily  established  on  the  ruins  of  liberty 
abused  to  licentiousness. 

"  As  to  the  second  article,  which  .respects  the 
performance  of  public  justice,  Congress  have,  in 
their  late  address  to  the  United  States,  almost  ex- 
hausted the  subject ;  they  have  explained  their 
ideas  so  fully,  and  have  enforced  the  obligations 
the  states  are  under  to  render  complete  justice*  to 
all  the  public  creditors,  .with  so  much  dignity  and 
energy,  that,  in  my  opinion,  no  real  friend  to  the 
honour  and  independency  of  America  can  hesitate 
a  single  moment  respecting  the  propriety  of  com- 
plying with  the  just  and  honourable  measures  pro- 
posed. If  their  arguments  do  not  produce  con- 
viction, I  know  of  nothing  that  will  have  greater 
influence,  especially  when  we  reflect  that  the  sys- 
tem deferred  to,  being  the  result  of  the  collected 
wisdom  of  the  continent,  must  be  esteemed,  if  not 
perfect,  certainly  the  least  objectionable  of  any  that 
could  be  devised  ;  and  that,  if  it  should  not  be 
carried  into  immediate  execution,  a  national  bank- 
ruptcy, with  ail  its  deplorable  consequences,  will 
take  place  before  any  different  plan  can  possibly 
be  proposed  or  adopted  ;  so  pressing  are  the  pres- 
ent circumstances,  and  such  is  the  alternative  now 
offered  to  the  states. 

"  The  ability  of  the  country  to  discharge  the 
debts  which  have  been  incurred  in  its  defence,  is 
not  to  be  doubted ;  and  inclination,  1  flatter  my- 
self, will  not  be  wanting.  The  path  of  our  duty 
is  plain  before  us ;  honesty  will  be  found,  on  ev- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

cry  experiment,  to  be  the  best  and  only  true  pol-  m 
icy.  Let  us  then,  as  a  nation,  be  just ;  let  us  ful- 
fil the  public  contracts  which  Congress  had  un- 
doubtedly aright  to  make  for  the  purpose  of  car- 
rying on  the  .war,  with  the  same  good  faith  we 
suppose  ourselves  bound  to  perform  our  private 
engagements.  In  the  mean  time,  let  an  attention 
to  the  cheerful  performance  of  the.ir  proper  busi- 
ness, as  individuals,  and  as  members  of  society, 
be  earnestly  inculcated  on  the  citizens  of  Ameri- 
ca ;  then  will  they  strengthen  the  bands  of  govern- 
ment, and  be  happy  under  its  protection.  Every 
one  vvili  reap  the  fruit  of  his  labours  ;  every  one 
will  enjoy  his  own  acquisitions,  without  molesta- 
tion and  without  danger. 

"  In  this  state  of  absolute  freedom  and  perfect 
security,  who1  will  grudge  to  yield  a'  very  little  of 
his  property  to  support  the  common  interests  of 
society,  and  ensure  the  protection  of  government? 
Who  does  not  remen>ber  the  frequent  declarations 
at  the  commencement  of  the  War,  That  we  should 
be  completely  satisfied;  if,  at  the  expense  of  one 
half,  we  could  defend  the  remainder  of  our  .pos- 
sessions ?  Where  is  the  man  to  be  found,  who 
wishes  to  remain  in  debt,  for  the  defence  of  his 
own  person  and  property,  to  the  exertions,  the 
bravery,  and  the  blood  of  others,  without  making 
one  generous  effort  to  pay  the  debt  of  honour  and 
of  gratitude  ?  In  what  part  of  the  continent  shall 
wt-  iind  any  man,  or  body  of  men,  who  would  not 
bliish  to  stand  up  and  propose  measures  pur- 
posely calculated  to  rob  the  soldier  of  his  sti- 
pend, and  the  public  creditor  of  his  due?  And 
were  it  possible  that  such  a  flagrant  instance  of 


THE  LIFE  OF 

injustice  could  ever  happen,  would  it  not  excite 
the  general  indignation,  and  tend  to  bring  down 
upon  the  authors  of  such  measures  the  aggravated 
vengeance  of  heaven  ?  If,  after  all,  a  spirit  of  dis- 
union, or  a  temper  of  obstinacy  and  perverseness 
should  manifest  itself  in  any  of  the  states  ;  if  such 
an  ungracious  disposition  should  attempt  to  frus- 
trate all  the  happy  effects  that  might  be  expected 
to  flow  from  the  union  ;  if  there  should  be  a  refu- 
sal to  comply  with  requisitions  for  funds  to  dis- 
charge the  annual  interest  of  the  public  debts  ;  and 
if  that  refusal  should  revive  all  those  jealousies, 
and  produce  all  those  evils,  which  are  now  happi- 
ly removed,  Congress,  who  have  in  all  their  trans- 
actions shown  a  great  degree  of  magnanimity  and 
justice,  will  stand  justified  in  the  sight  of  God 
and  man !  and  that  state  alone,  which  puts  itself 
in  opposition  to  the  aggregate  wisdom  of  the  con- 
tinent, and  follows  such  mistaken  and  pernicious 
councils,  will  be  responsible  for  all  the  conse- 
quences. 

44  For  my  own  part,  conscious  of  having, acted 
while  a  servant  of  the  public,  in  the  manner  I  con- 
ceived best  suited  to  promote  the  real  interests  of 
my  country  ;  having  in.  consequence  of  my  fixed 
belief,  in  some  measure  pledged  myself  to  the  ar- 
my, that  their  country  would  finally  do  them  com- 
plete and  ample  justice  ;  and  not  wishing  to  con- 
ceal any  instance  of  my  official  conduct  from  the 
eyes  of  the  world,  I  have  thought  proper  to  trans- 
mit to  your  excellency  the  enclosed  collection  of 
papers,  relative  to  the  half  pay  and  commutation 
granted  by  Congress,  to  the  officers  of  the  army. 
From  these  communications  mv  decided  senti- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

ment  will  be  clearly  comprehended,  together  with 
the  conclusive  reasons  which  induced  me,  at  an 
early  period,  to  recommend  the  adoption  of  this 
measure  in  the  most  earnest  and  serious  manner. 
As  the  proceedings  of  Congress,  the  army,  and 
myself,  arc  open  to  all,  and  contain,  in  my  opin- 
ion, sufficient  information  to  remove  the  prejudi- 
ces and  errors  which  m?yjjave  been  entertained 
by  any,  I  think  it  unnecessary  to  say  any  thing 
more  than  just  to  observe,  that  the  resolutions  of 
Congress,  now  alluded  to,  are  as  undoubtedly 
and  absolutely  binding  upon  the  United  States,  as 
the  most  solemn  acts  of  confederation  or  legislation. 

"  As  to  the  idea  which,  I  am  informed,  has  in 
some  instances  prevailed,  that  the  half  pay  and 
commutation  are  to  be  regarded  merely  in  the  odi- 
ous light  of  a. pension,  it  ought  to  be  exploded 
for  ever  ;  that  provision  should  be  viewed,  as  it 
really  was,  a  reasonable  compensation  offered  by 
Congress,  at  a  time  when  they  had  nothing  else  to 
give  to  officers  of  the  army,  for  services  then  to 
be  performed.  It  was  the  only  means  to  prevent 
a  total  dereliction  of  the  service.  It  was  a  part 
of  their  hire  ;  I  may  be  allowed  to  say,  it  was  the 
price  of  their  blood,  and  of  your  independency. 
It  is  therefore  more  than  a  common  debt ;  it  is  a 
debt  of  honour  ;  it  can  never  be  considered  as  a 
pension,  or  gratuity,  nor  cancelled  until  it  is  fairly 
discharged. 

"  With  regard  to  the  distinction  between  offi- 
cers and  soldiers,  it  is  sufficient  that  the  uniform 
experience  of  every  nation  of  the  world  combined 
with  our  own,  proves  the  utility  and  propriety  of 
the  discrimination.  Rewards  in  proportion  to  the 


THE  LIFE  OF 

aid  the  public  draws  from  them,  are  unquestiona- 
bly due  to  all  its  servants.  In  some  lines,  the 
soldie/s  h;ve  perhaps,  generally,  had  as  ample 
compensation  for  their  services,  by  the  large  boun- 
ties which  have  been  paid  them,  as  their  officers 
will  receive  in  the  proposed  commutation  ;  in  oth- 
ers, if,  beside  the  donation  of  land,  the  payment 
of  arrearages  of  clothing  and  wages,  in  which  ar- 
ticles all  the  component  pints  of  the  army  must 
be  put  upon  the  same  footing,  we '  take  into  the 
estimate  the  bounties  many  of  the  soldiers  have  re- 
ceived, and  the  gratuity  of  one  year's  full  pay, 
which  is  promised  to  all,  possibly  their  situation, 
every  circumstance  being  duly  considered,  will 
not  be  deemed  less  eligible  than  that  of  the  officers. 
Should  a  farther  reward,  however,  be  judged  equi- 
table, I  will  venture  to  assert,  no  man  will  enjoy 
greater  satisfaction  than  myself,  in  an  exemption 
from  taxes  for  a  limited  time,  which  has  been  pe- 
titioned for  in  some  instances,  or  any  other  ade- 
quate immunity  or  compensation  granted  to  the 
brave  defenders  of  their  country's  cause.  But 
neither* the  adoption  or  rejection  ot  this  proposi- 
tion will,  in  any  manner,  affect,  much  less  militate 
against,  the  act  of  Congress,  by  which  they  have 
offered  live  years  full  pay,  in  lieu  of  the  half  pay 
for  life,  which  had  been  before  promised  to  the  of- 
ficers of  the  army. 

"  Before  I  conclude  the  subject  on  public  jus- 
tice, I  cannot  omit  to  mention  the  obligations  this 
country  is  under  to  that  meritorious  class  oi  vete- 
rans, the  non  com  missioned  officers  and  privates 
who  have  bicn  discharged  for  inability,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  resolution  of  Congress,  of  the  33d 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 


193 


of  April,  1782,  on  an  annual  pension  for  life. 
Their  peculiar  sufferings,  their  singular  merits 
and  claims  to  that  provision,  need  only  to  be  known, 
to  interest  the  feelings  of  humanity  in  their  behalf. 
Nothing  but  a  punctual  payment  of  their  annual 
allowance,  can  rescue  them  from  the  most  compli- 
cated misery  ;  and  nothing  could  be  a  more  mel- 
ancholy and  distressing  sight,  than  to  behold  those 
who  have  shed  Jtheir  blood,  or  lost  their  limbs  in 
the  service  of  their  country,  without  a  shelter, 
without  a  friend,  and  without  the  means  of  ob- 
taining any  of  the  comforts  or  necessaries  of  life, 
compelled  to  beg  their  bread  daily  from  door  to 
door.  Suffer  me  to  recommend  those  of  this  de- 
scription, belonging  to  your  state,  to  the  warm- 
est patronage  of  your  excellency  and  your  legisla- 
ture. 

"  It  is  necessary  to  say  but  a  few  words  on  the 
third  topic  which  was  proposed,  and  which  regards 
particularly  the  defence  of  the  republic  ;  as  there 
ean  be  little  doubt  but  Congress  will  recommend 
.a  proper  peace  establishment  for  the  United  States, 
in  which  a  due  attention  will  be  paid  to  the  im- 
portance of  placing  the  militia  of  the  Union  upon 
a  regular  and  respectable  footing.  If  this  should 
be  the  case,  I  shouid  beg  leave  to  urge  the  great 
advantage  of  it  in  the  strongest  terms. 

"  The  militia  of  this  country  must  be  consider- 
ed as  the  palladium  of  our  security,  and  the  first 
effectual  resort  in  case  of  hostility.  It  is  essen- 
tial, therefore,  that  the  same  system  should  per- 
vade the  whole ;  that  the  formation  and  discipline 
of  the  militia  of  the  continent  shouid  be  absolute- 
18 


194  THE  LIFE  OF 

ly  uniform  ;  and  that  the  same  species  of%  arms, 
accoutrements,  and  military  apparatus,  should  be 
introduced  in  every  part  of  the  United  States.  No 
one,  who  has  not  learned  it  from  experience,  can 
conceive  the  difficulty,  expense,  and  confusion, 
which  result  from  a  contrary  system,  or 'the  vague 
arrangements  which  have  hitherto  prevailed. 

"  If,  in  treating  of  political  points,  a  greater  lat- 
itude than  usual  has  been  taken  .in  the  course  of 
the  address ;  the  importance  of  the  crisis,  and  the 
magnitude  of  the  objects  in  discussion,  must  be 
my  apology.  It  is,  however,  neither  my  wish  nor 
expectation,  that  the  preceding  observations  should 
claim  any  regard,  except  so  far  as  they  shall  ap- 
pear to  be  dictated  by  a  good  intention,  consonant 
to  the  immutable  rules  of  justice  ;  calculated  to 
produce  a  liberal  system  of  policy,  and  founded  on 
whatever  experience  may  have  been  acquired,  by 
a  long  and  close  attention  to  public  business. 
Here  I  might  speak  with  more  confidence,  from 
my  actual  observations  ;  and  if  it  would  not  swell 
this  letter,  already  too  prolix,  beyond  the  bounds 
I  had  prescribed  myself,  1  could  demonstrate  to 
every  mind,  dpen  to  conviction,  that  in  less  time, 
and  with  much  ess  expense  titan  has  been  incur- 
red, the  war  might  have  been  brought  to  the  same 
happy  conclusion,  if  the  resources  of  the  continent 
could  have  been  properly  called  forth  ;  that  the 
distresses  and  disappointments  which  have  very 
often  occurred,  have,  in  too  many  instances,  re- 
sulted more  from  a  want  of  energy  in  the  conti- 
nental government,  than  a  deficiency  of  means  in 
the  particular  states ;  that  the  inUficacy  of  the 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 


195 


measures,  arising  from  the  want  of  an  adequate 
authority  in  the  supreme  power,  from  a  partial 
compliance  with  the  requisitions  of  Congress,  in 
some  of  the  states,  and  from  a  failure  of  punctual- 
ity in  others,  while  they  tended  to  damp  the  zeal 
of  those  who  were  more  willing  to  exert  them- 
selves, served  also  to  accumulate  the  expenses  of 
the  war,  and  to  frustrate  the  best  concerted  plans  ; 
and  that  the  discouragement  occasioned  by  the 
complicated  difficulties  and  embarrassments,  in 
which  our  affairs  were  by  this  means  involved, 
would  have  long  ago  produced  the  dissolution  of 
any  army,  less  patient,  less  virtuous,  and  less  per- 
severing, than  that  which  I  have  had  the  honour 
to  comitiand.  But  while  I  mention  those  things 
which  are  notorious  facts, 'as  the  defects  of  our 
federal  constitution,  particularly  in  the  prosecution 
of  a  war,  I  beg  it  may  be  understood,  that  as  I  Ijpve 
ever  taken  a  pleasure  in  gratefully  acknowledging 
the  assistance"  and  support  I  have  derived  from 
every  class  of  citizens  ;  so  shall  I  always  be  hap- 
py to  do  justice  to  the  unparalleled  exertions  of 
the  individual  states,  on  many  interesting  occasions. 

"  I  have  thus  freely  disclosed  what  Leashed  to 
make  known,  before  I  surrendered  up  tfjy  public 
trust  to  those  who  committed  it  to  me.  The  task 
is  now  "accomplished  ;  I  now  bid  adieu  to  your 
excellency,  as  the  chief  magistrate  of  your  state  ; 
at  the  same  time,  I  bid  a  last  farewell  to  the  cares 
ot"  office,  and  all  the  employments  of  public  life. 

44  It  remains,  then,  to  be  my  final  and  only  re^ 
quest,  that  your  excellency  will  communicate 
these  sentiments,  to  your  legislature,  at  their  next 
meeting  ;  and  that  they  may  be  considered  as  the 


THE  LIFE  OF 

legacy  of  one  who  has  ardently  wished,  on  all  oc- 
casions, to  be  useful  to  his  country,  and  who,  ev- 
en in  the  shade  of  retirement,  will*  not  fail  to  im- 
plore the  divine  benediction  upon  it. 

"  1  now  make  it  my  earnest  prayer,  that  God 
Would  have  you,  and  the  state  over  which  you 
preside,  in  his  holy  protection  ;  that  he  would  in- 
cline the  hearts  of  the  citizens  to  cultivate  a  spir- 
it of  subordination  and  obedience  to  government ; 
to  entertain  a  brotherly  affection  and  love  for  one 
another  ;  for  their  fellovvcitizens  of  the  United 
States  at  large,  and  particularly  for  their  brethren 
who  have  served  in  the  field  ;  and,  finally,  that 
he  would  most  graciously  be  pleased  to  dispose 
us  all  to  do  justice,  to  love  mercy,  and  tcAlemean 
ourselves  with  that  chanty,  humility,  and  pacific 
temper  of  the  mind,  which  were  the  characteris- 
tics^of  the  divine  author  of  our  blessed  religion  ; 
without  an  humble  imitation  of  whose  example,  in 
these  things,  we  can  never  hope  to  be  a  happy  nation. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 
<c  with  much  esteem  and  respect, 
"  Sir,  your  excellency's  most  obedient, 
"  and  most  humble  servant, 

"  GEO '  WASHINGTON." 

The  second  of  November  was  fixed  for  dis- 
charging that  part  of  the  army  which  was  engag- 
ed to  serve  during  the  war.  On  that  day,  Gen. 
Washington  issued  his  farewell  orders  to  the  ar- 
mies of  the  United  States  in  the  most  endearing 
language.  After  giving  them  his  advice  respect- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

ing  their  future  conduct,  and  imploring  the  choio* 
est  of  heaven's  blessings  in  their  favour,  he  bade 
them  an  affectionate  farewell.* 

On  the  25th.  of  the  same  month,  the  British 
evacuated  New  York,  and  Gen.  Washington  made 
his  public ,  entry  into  it,  where  he  was  received 
with  every  mark  of  respect  and  attention. 

The  hour  now  approached  in  which  it  became 
necessary  for  the  American  chief  to  take  leave  of 
his  officers  who  had  been  endeared  to  him  by  a 
long  series  of  common  sufferings  and  dangers. 
This  was  clone  in  a  solemn  manner.  The  officers, 
having  previously  assembled  for  the  purpose,  Gen. 
Washington  joined  them,  and  calling  for  a  glass 
of  wine,  thus  addressed  them  ;  "  With  an  heart 
full  of  love  and  gratitude,  I  now  take  leave  of  you. 
I  most  devoutly  wish  that  your  latter  days  may  be 
as  prosperous  and  happy  as  your  former  ones  have 
been  glorious  and  honourable."  Having  drank 
he  added,  "  I  cannot  come  to  each  of  you,  to 
take  my  leave,  but  shall  be  obliged  to  you,  if  each 
of  you  will  come  and  take  me  by  the  hand."  Geru 
Kuox  being  next,  he  turned  to  him  Incapable 
of  utterance,  Washington  grasped  his  hand  and 
embraced  him.  The  officers  came  up  successive- 
ly, and  he  took  an  affectionate  leave  of  each  of 
them.  Not  a  word  was  articulated  on  either  side. 
A  majestic  silence  prevailed.  The  tear  of  sensi- 
bility glistened  in  every  eye.  The  tenderness  of 
the  scene  exceeded  all  description.  When  the 
last  of  the  officers  had  taken  his  leave,  Washing- 
ton left  the  room  and  passed  through  the  corps  of 

*  For  this  Address,  see  Appendisf. 

18* 


THE  LIFE  OF 

light  infantry,  to  the  place  of  embarkation.  The 
officers  followed  in  a  solemn  mute  procession,  with 
dejected  countenances.  Oil  his  entering  the  barge 
to  cross  the  North  River,  he  turned  toward  the 
companions  of  his  glory,  and  by  waving  his  hat, 
bid  them  a  silent  adieu  Some  of  them  answered 
this  last  signal  of  respect  and  affection  with  tears  ; 
and  all  of  them  hung  upon  the  barge  which  con- 
veyed him  from  their  sight,  till'they  could  no  long- 
er distinguish  in  it  the  person  of  their  beloved 
commander  in  chief. 

The  army  being  disbanded,  Washington  pro- 
ceeded to  Annapolis,  then  the  seat  of  Congress,  to 
resign  his  commission.  On  his  way  thither,  he, 
of  his  own  accord,  delivered  to  the  comptroller  of 
accounts  in  Philadelphia,  an  account  of  the  expen- 
diture of  all  the  public  money  he  had  ever  receiv- 
ed. This  was  in  his  own  hand  writing,  and  every 
entry  was  made  in  a  very  particular  manner. 
Vouchers  were  produced  for  every  item  except 
for  secret  intelligence  and  service,  which  amount- 
ed to  no  more  than  1,98^/  10$  sterling.  The 
whole  which  in  the  course  of  eight  years  of  war, 
had  passed  through  his  hands,  amounted  only  to 
I4,479/  lb,y  9d  sterling  Nothing  was  charged  or 
retained  for  personal  services  ;  and  actual  dis- 
bursements had  been  managed  with  such  econo- 
my and  fidelity,  that  they  were  ail  covered  by  the 
above  moderate  sum. 

After  accounting  for  all  his  expenditures  of  pub- 
lic money,  secret  service  money  for  obvious  reas- 
ons exccpted,  with  all  the  exactness  which  estab- 
lished forms  required  from  the  inferior  officers  of 
his  army,  lie  hastened  to  resign  into  the  hands  of 


GEORGE  WASinXGTOX.  199 

the  fathers  of  his  country,  the  powers  with  which 
they  had  invested  him.  This  was  done  411  a  pub- 
lic audience.  Congress  received  him  as  the  found- 
er and  guardian  of  the  republic.  While  he  ap- 
peared before  them,  they  silently* retraced  the  scenes 
of  danger  and  distress  through  which  they  had 
passed  together.  '  They  recaik  d  to  mind  the  bless- 
ings of  freedom  and  peace  purchased  by  his  arm. 
They  gazed  with  wonder  on  their  feflowcitizen 
who  appeared  more  great  and  worthy  of  esteem  in 
resigning  his  power,  than  he  hJcl  done  in  glorious- 
ly using  it.  Every  heart  was  big  with  emotion. 
Tears  of  admiration  and  gratitude  burst  from  ev- 
ery eye.  The  general  sympathy  was  felt  by  the 
resigning  hero,  and  wet  his  cheek  with  a  manly 
tear.  After  a  decent  pause,  he  addressed  Thom- 
as Mifflm,  the  President  of  Congress,  in  the  fol- 
lowing words. 

"  MR  PRESIDENT, 

"  The  great  events  on  which  my  resignation 
depended,  having  at  length  taken  place,  I  have 
now  the  honour  of  offering  my  sjncere  congratula- 
tions to  Congress,  and  of  presenting  myself  before 
them  to  surrender  into  their  hands  the  trust  com- 
mitted to  me,  and  to  claim  the  indulgence  of  re- 
tiring from  the  service  of  my  country. 

"  Happy  in  the  confirmation  of  our  indepen- 
dence ai id  sovereignty,  and  pleased  with  the  oppor- 
tunity afforded  the  United  States  of  becoming  a 
respectable  nation,  I  resign  with  satisfaction  the  ap- 
pointment I  accepted  with  diffidence  ;  a  diffidence 
in  my  abilities  to  accomplish  so  arduous  a  task, 
which,  however,  was  superseded  by  a  confidence 


200  THE  LIFE  OF 

in  the  rectitude  of  our  cause,  the  support  of  the. 
supreme. power  of  the  union,  and  the  patronage  of 
heaven. 

44  The  successful  termination  of  the  war  has  ver- 
ified die  most  sanguine  expectations  ;  and  my  grat- 
itude for  the  interposition  of  Providence,  and  the 
assistance  1  have  received  from'  my  countrymen, 
increases  with  every  review  of  the  momentous  con- 
test. 

44  While  I  repeat  my  obligations  to  the  army  in 
general,  I -should  do  injustice  to  my  own  feelings, 
not  to  acknowledge  in  this  place,  the  peculiar  ser- 
vices and  distinguished  merits  of  the  persons  who 
have  been  attached  to  my  person  during  the  war. 
It  was  impossible  the  choice  of  confidential  officers 
to  compose  my  family  should  have  bten  more  for- 
tunate. Permit  me,  Sir,  to  recommend  in  partic- 
ular, those  who  have  continued  in  the  service  to 
the  present  moment,  as  worthy  of  the  favourable 
no- ice  and  patronage  of  Congress. 

"  i  consider  it  as  an  indispensable  duty  to  close 
this  last  solemn  act  of  my  official  lite,  by  commend- 
ing the  interests  of  our  dearest  country  to  the  pro* 
tection  of  Almighty  God,  and  those  who  have  the 
superintendence  of  .them  to  his  holy  keeping. 

44  Having  now  finished  the  work  assigned  me, 
I  retire  from  the  great  theatre  of  action  ;  and,  bid- 
d  iig  an  affectionate  farewell  to  this  august  body, 
under  whose  orders  I  have  long  acted,  I  here  offer 
my  commission,  and  take  my  leave  of  all  the  em- 
ployments of  public  life.'** 

*  The  commission  now  returned  to  Congress,  had  been  received  from 
them  shortlv  after  the  commencement  of  hostilities.     It  was  accompa- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  201 

This  -address  being  ended,  Gen.  Washington 
advanced  and  delivered  his  commission  into  the 
hands  of  the  President  of  Congress,  who  replied 
as  follows  ; 

nied  with  an  unanimous  resolution  of  the  delegates  of  the  United  Col- 
oni.-s,  "That  they  would  maintain,  assist,  and  adhere  to  George 
Washington,  with  their  lives  and  fortunes,  in  the  cause  of  American  lib- 
erty." The  commission,  drawn  by  a  special  committee,  was  in  the  fol- 
lowing words  ; 

'*  The  delegates  of  the  United  Colonies  of  New  JIampshire,  Massa- 
chusetts' Bay,  lihnde  Island,  Connecticut,  New  York,  New  Jersey, 
Pennsylvania,  the  counties  of  New  Castle,  Kent,  and  Sussex,  on  Dela- 
ware;  Maryland,  Virginia,  North  Carolina,  and  South  Carolina, 

«  TO  GEORGE  WASHINGTON,  ESQ. 

"  We,  reposing  special  trust  and  confidence  in  your  patriotism,  val- 
our, conduct,  and  fidelity,  do  by  these  presents  constitute  aqd  appoint 
you  to  be  General, 'and  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  army  of  the  United 
Colonies,  and  of  all  the  forces  now  raised  or  to  be  raised  by  them,  and 
of  all  others  who  shall-  voluntarily  offer  their  service  and  join  the  said 
army,  for  the  defence  of  American  liberty,  and  for  repelling  every  hos- 
tile invasion  thereof;  and  you  are  hereby  vested  with  full  power  and  au- 
thority, to  act  as  you  shall  think  for  the  good  and  welfare  of  the  service. 

"  And  we  do  hereby  strictly  charge  and  require  all  officers  and  sold- 
iers under  your  command,  to  be  obedient  to  your  orders,  and  diligent  in 
the  exercise  of  their  several  duties. 

*'  And  we  do  also  enjoin  and  require  you  to  be  careful  in  exercising 
the  great  trust  reposed  in  you,  by  causing  strict  discipline  and  order  to 
be  observed  in  the  army,  and  th-at  the  soldiers  be  duh  exercised  and  pro- 
vided with  all  convenient  necessaries. 

"  And  you  are  to  regulate  your  eonriAet  in  every  respect  by  the  rules 
and  discipline  of  war,  as  herewith«givon  you,  and  punctually  to  observe 
and  follow  such  orders  and  directions  from  lime  to  time,  as  you  shall  re- 
ceive ft-o:«i  this,  or  a  future  Congress  of  these  United  Colonies,  or  com- 
mittee oi"  Congress, 


202  THE  LIFE  OF 

"  The  United  States  in  Congress  assembled,  re- 
ceive with  emotions  too  affecting  for  utterance,  the 
solemn  resignation  of  the  authorities  under  which 
you  have  led  their  troops  with  success,  through  a 
perilous  and  doubtful  war. 

"  Called  upon  by  your  country  to  defend  its  in- 
vaded rights^you  accepted  the  sacred  charge  be- 

"  This  commission  to  continue  in  force,  until  revoked  by  this,  or  a 
future  Congress. 

(Signed).  •  "  PEYTON  RANDOLPH,  President. 

(Attest)  "CHARLES  THOMSON,  Secretary. 

"June  17th.  1775." 

At  the  time  this  commission  was  accepted,  the  United  Colonies  had 
no  assurance  of  foreign  assistance,  and  were  without  established  govern- 
ment, arms,  magazines,  forts,  money,  trade,  navy,  disciplined  troops,  or 
experienced  officers. 

At  the  same  time  they  were  denounced  by  their  sovereign  as  in  a  state 
of  rebellion,  Washington,  by  accepting  the  command  of  their  armies, 
not  only  subjected  one  of  the  largest  estates  in  America  to  confiscation, 
but  his  life  to  exepution.  The  diffidence  he  avowed  on  the  occasion, 
•was  not  the  common  cant  of  successful  candidates  for  promotion,  nor  did 
it  arise  from  apprehensions  of  personal  danger  ;  but  was  the  offspring  of 
excessive  modesty.  Though  willing  to  risk  every  thing  on  the  contest, 
he  really  distrusted  his  ability  to  contend  in  regular  war,  with  the  expe- 
rienced Generals  of  .Britain.  The  doubts  and  fears  which  for  some  time 
kept  him  in  suspense,  at  length  yielded  to  a  conviction  of  duty,  and  the 
earnest  invitation  of  frieiuls,  who  :  pprtcintcd  his  talents  more  correct- 
ly than  he  did  himself.  On  the  event  of  h'S  declining  the  high  commis- 
sion, as  was  for  some  time  expected,  it  was  privately  resolved  to  confer 
it  on  Gen.  Ward,  of  Massachusetts.  What m  would  have  been  the  issue 
of  the  military  opposition  of  America  conducted  by  that  much  esteemed 
officer.no  one  can  tell  ;  but  without  invidious. comparison,  it  may  be 
saf<  i-  affirmed,  that  it  could  not  have  been  more  successful  than  under 
-ftie  auspices  of  Washington. 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

fore  it  had  formed  alliances,  and  whilst  it  was  with- 
out friends  or  a  government  to  support  you. 

"  You  have  conducted  the  great  military  contest 
with  wisdom  and  fortitude,  invariably  regarding 
the  rights  of  the  civil  power  through  all  disasters 
and  changes.  You  have  by  the  love  and  confi- 
dence of  your  fellowcitizens,  enabled  them  to  dis- 
play their  martial  genius,  and  transmit  their  fame 
to  posterity  ;  you  have  persevered  till  these  Unit- 
ed States,  aided  by  a  magnanimous  king  and  na- 
tion, have  been  enabled  under  a  just  Providence, 
to  close  the  war  in  safety,  freedom,  and  indepen- 
dence ;  on  which  happy  event  we  sincerely  join 
you  in  congratulations. 

"  Having  defended  the  standard  of  liberty  in, 
this  new  world  ;  having  taught  a  lesson  useful  to 
those  who  inflict,  and  to  those  who  feel  oppression, 
you  retire  from  the  great  theatre  of  attion  with 
the  blessings  of  your  fellowcitizens  ;  but  the  glo- 
ry of  your  virtues  will  not  terminate  with  your  mil- 
itary command,  it  will  continue  to  animate  remot- 
est ages.  We  feel  with  you  our  obligations  to 
the  army  in  general,  and  will  particularly  charge 
ourselves  with  the  interest  of  those  confidential  of- 
ficers who  have  attended  your  person  to  this  af- 
fecting moment. 

"  We  join  you  in  commending  the  interests  of 
our  dearest  country  to  the  protection  of  Almighty 
God,  beseeching  him  to  dispose  the  hearts  and 
minds  of  its  citizens  to  improve  the  opportunity 
afforded  them  of  becoming  a  happy  and  respecta- 
ble nation  ;  and  for  you  we  address  to  Him  our 
earnest  prayers,  that  a  life  so  beloved,  may  be  fos- 
tered with  all  his  care  ;  that  your  days  may  be  hap- 


204  THE  LIFE  OP 

py  as  they  have  been  illustrious,  and  that  he  will 
finally  give  you  that  reward  which  this  world  can- 
not give." 

The  military  services  of  Gen.  Washington, 
which  ended  with  this  interesting  day,  were  as 
great  as  ever  were  rendered  by  any  man  to  any  na- 
tion. They  were  at  the  same  time  disinterested. 
How  dear  would  not  a  mercenary  man  have  sold 
such  toils,  such  dangers,  and  above  all,  such  suc- 
cesses ?  What  schemes  of  grandeur  and  of  power 
would  not  an  ambitious  man  have  built  upon  the 
affections  of  the  people  and  of  the  army  ?  The 
gratitude  of  America  was  so  lively,  that  any  thing 
asked  by  her  resigning  chief,  would  have  been 
readily  granted.  He  asked  nothi ng  for  himself,  his 
family,  or  relations  ;  but  indirectly  solicited  fa- 
vours for  the  confidential  officers  who  were  attach- 
ed to  his  person.  These  were  young  gentlemen 
without  fortune,  who  had  served  him  in  the  capac- 
ity of  Aids  de  Camp.  To  have  omitted  the  op- 
portunity which  then  offered^  of  recommending 
them  to  their  countn  's  notice,  would  have  argued 
a  degree  of  insensibility  in  the  breast  of  their  friend. 
The  only  privilege  distinguishing  him  from  other 
private  citizens,  which  the  retiring  Washington 
did  or  would  receive  from  his  grateful  country, 
was  a  right  of  sending  and  receiving  letters  free  of 
postage. 

The  American  chief,  having  by  his  own  volun- 
tary act,  become  one  of  the  people,  hastened  with 
ineffable  delight  to  his  seat  at  Mount  Vernon,  on 
the  banks  of  the  Potowmac.  There,  in  a  short 
time,  the  most  successful  General  in  the  world,  be- 
came the  most  diligent  farmer  iu  Virginia. 


WASHINGTON.  "  205 

To  pass  suddenly  from  the  toils  of  the  first  com- 
mission in  the  United  States  to  th'c  care  of  a  farm ; 
to  exchange  the  instruments  of  war,  for  the  imple- 
ments of  husbandry,  and  to  become  at  once  the 
patron  and  example  of  ingenious  agriculture,  would 
to  most  men  have  been  a  difficult  task.  But  to 
the  elevated  mind  of  Washington,  it  was  natural 
and  delightful.  From  his  example,  let  the  com- 
manders of  armies  learn,  that  the  fame  which  is 
acquired  by  the  sword,  without  guilt  or  ambition, 
may  be  preserved  without  power  or  splendour  in 
private  life. 


-206  THE  LIFE  OP 


CHAPTER  X. 


General  Washington,  on  retiring  from  public  life,  devotes  'himself  to 
agricultural  pursuits...  .Favours  inland  navigation..  ..Declines  offered 
emoluments  from  it  ...Urges  an  alteration  of  the  fundamental  rule* 
of  the  society  of  the  Cincinnati.  .  .Regrets  the  defects  of  the  Federal 
system,  and  recommends  a  revisal  of  it. -...la  appointed  a  member  of 
the  continental  convention  for  that  purpose,  which,  after  hesitation, 
he  accepts...  .Is  chosen  President  thereof... ..Is  solicited  to  accept  the 

Presidency  of  the  United  States Writes  sundry  letters  expressive  of 

the  conflict  in  his  mind,  between  duty  and  inclination Answers  ap- 
plicants for  offices.. ...His  reluctance  to  eater  on  public  life. 


THE  sensations  of  Washington  on  retiring  from 
public  business  are  thus  expressed.  "  I  feel  as  a 
wearied  traveller  must  do,  who,  alter  treading  ma- 
ny a  painful  step  with  a  heavy  burden  on  his  shoul- 
ders, is  eased  of  the  latter,  having  reached  the  ha- 
ven to  which  all  the  former  were  directed,  and 
from  his  house  top  is  looking  back  and  treeing 
with  an  eager  e\e,  the  meanders  by  which  he'  es-  I 
caped  the  quicksands  and  mires  which  i-n  in  i>is 
way,  and  into  which  none  but  the  Ail  Powerful 
Guide  and  Dispenser  of  human  events,  could  have 
prevented  his  lulling. 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  207 

"  I  have  become  a  private  citizen  on  the  banks 
of  the  Potowmac,  and,  under  the  shadow  of  my 
own  vine  and  mv  own  fi.^tree,  free  from  the  bus- 
tle of  a  camp,  and  the  busy  scenes  of  public  life, 
I  arn  solacing  myself  with  those  tranquil  enjoy- 
ments of  which  the  soldier,  who  is  ever  in  pursuit 
of  fame  ;  the  statesman,  whose  watchful  days  and 
sleepless  nights  are  spent  in  devising  schemes  to 
promote  the  welfare  of  his  own,  perhaps  the  ruin 
of  other  countries,  as.  if  this  globe  was  insufficient 
for  us  all ;  and  the  courtier,  who  is  always  watch- 
ing the  countenance  of  his  prince,  in  the  hope  of 
catching  a  gracious  amile,  can  have  very  little  con- 
ception. I  have  not  only  retired  from  all  public 
employments,  but  am  retiring  within  myself,  and 
shall  be  able  to  view  trie  solitary  walk,  and  tread 
the  ruths  of  private  life  with  heartfelt  satisfaction, 
Envious  of  none,  I  am  determined  to  be  pleased 
with  ail;  and  this,  my  dear  "friend,  bei*»g  the  or- 
der of  my  march,  I  will  move  gently  down  -the 
stream  of  life,  until  I  sleep  with  my  fathers." 

Agriculture,  Avhich  had  always  been  the  favour- 
ite employment  of  Washington,  was  now  resumed 
\vi<h  increasing  delight.  The  energies  of  his  ac- 
tive mi: id  were  devoted  to  this  first  and  most  use- 
ful art.  No  Improve  merits  in  the  construction  of 
farming  utensils,  no  valuable  experiments  in  hus- 
bandry, escaped  his  attention.  He  saw  with  re- 
g«'et,  the  miserable  system  of  cultivation  which  pre- 
vailed too  generally  in  his  native  country,  and 
wished  to  introduce  a  better.  With  this  view  he 
engaged  in  a  correspondence  with  some  or  rhe 
distinguished  agricultures  in  Great  BnUn<s  par- 
ticularly the  celebrated  Arthur  Young.  He  trae- 


208  THE  LIFE  OF 

ed  the  different  states  of  agriculture  in  the  two 
countries,  in  a  great  degree  to  the  following  obvi- 
ous principles.  In  Great  Britain,  land  was  dear, 
and  labour  cheap.  In  America  the  reverse  took 
place  to  such  a  degree,  that  manuring  land  was 
comparatively  neglected,  'on  the  mistaken,  short 
sighted  idea,  that  it  was  cheaper  to  clear  and  cul- 
tivate new  fields,  than  to  improve  and  repair  such 
as  were  oJd-  To  tin's  radical  error,  which  led  to 
idleness  and  a  vagabond  dispersed  population,  he 
opposed  the 'whole  weight  of  his  influence.  Kis 
example  and  recommendations  tended  to  revolu- 
tionize the  c:[.riciilture  of  his  country,  as  his  val- 
our he  d  revolutionized  its  government. 

The  extension  of  inland  navigation  occupied 
much  of  Washington's  attention,  at  this  period  of 
exemption  from  public  cares.     Soon  after  peace 
v.  ,:S  proclaimed,  he  made  a  tour  as  far  west  as 
^burgh,  and  also  traversed  the  western  parts 
(.  £  New  England  and  New  York,  and  examined 
Or  himself  the  difficulties  of  bringing  the  trade  of 
west  to  different  points  on  the  Atlantic.     Pos- 
,d  of  an  accurate  knowledge  of  the  subject,  he 
ended  with  the  governors  of  different  states, 
r    influential    characters.       To  them  lie 
:d  the  propriety  of  making  by  public  au- 
thority, an  appointment  of  commissioners  of  integ- 
and  abiiky,  whose  duty  it  should  be,  after  ac- 
ejxaminatlba.,  to  ascertain  the   nearest  and 
cs  between   such  of  the  eastern  and 
,-nded  nec.r  to  each  other,  though 
thev  ran  :tions  r  11    :          !o  trace 

crs  west  of   .  .        i  -csancl 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  209 

the  Ohio,  or  the  lakes  of  Canada,  and  to  make  an 
accurate  map  of  the  whole,  with  observations  on 
the  impediments  to  be  overcome,  and  the  advqn* 
tages  to  be  acquired  on  the  completion  of  the 
work. 

The  views  of  Washington  in  advocating  the  ex- 
tension  of  inland  navigation  were  grand,  and  mag- 
nificent.    He  considered  it  as  an  effectual  mean  of 
cementing  the  union   of  the  states.     In  his  letter 
to  the  Governor  of  Virginia  he  observed,  "  I  need 
not  remark  to  you,  sir,  that  the  flanks  and  rear  of 
the  United  States  are  possessed  by  other  powers,, 
and  formidable  ones  too  ;  nor  need  I  press  the  ne- 
cessity of  applying  the  cement  of  interest  to  bind 
all   parts  of  the   union   together*  by  indissoluble 
bonds  ;  especially  of  binding  that  part  of  it  which 
lies  immediately  west  of  us,  to  the  middle  states. 
For  what  ties,  let  me  ask,  should  we  have  upoa 
those  people  ;  how  entirely  unconnected  with  them 
shall  we  be,  and  what  troubles  may  we  not  appre- 
hend, if  the   Spaniards  on   their  right,  and  Great 
Britain  on  their  left,  instead  of  throwing  impedi- 
ments in  their  way  as  they  do  no  wp' should  hold 
out  lures  for  their  trade  and  alliance  ?  When  they 
get  strength,  which  will  f>e  sooner  than  most  peo- 
ple conceive,  what  will  be  the  consequence  of  their 
having  formed  close  commercial  connexions  with 
both  or  cither  of  those  powers  P     It  needs  not,  in 
my  opinion,  the  gift  of  prophecy  to  foretell."-  Af- 
ter stating  the  same  thing  to  a  me'iiber   of  Con- 
gress, he   proceeds,  "  It  may  bo  ask..!,   how  we 
are  to  prevent  tlii:^ '?    Happily  tor   us  the  w-.iy  is 
plain.     Our  immediate  interests,  as  well  as  remote 


LIFE  0& 

political  advantages,  pqint  to  it ;  whilst  a  combi- 
nation of  circa m  stances  render  the  present  time 
more  favourable  than  any  other  to  accomplish  it. 
Ex  .  :•:!  ».he  inland  navigation  of  the  eastern  waters; 
communicate  them  as  near  as  possible  with  those 
which  run  westward  ;  open  these  to  the  Ohio  ; 
open  also  such  as  extend  from  the  Ohio  toward 
lake  Erie  ;  and  we  shall  not  only  draw  the  pro- 
duce of  the  western  settlers,  but  the  peltry  and 
fur  trade  of  the  lakes  alsoT  to  our  ports  ;  thus  add- 
ing an  immense  increase  to  our  exports,  and  bind- 
ing those  people  to  us  by  a  chain  which  never  can- 
be  broken." 

The 'Virginia  legislature  acted  on  the  recom- 
mendation of  Gen.  Washington,  to  the  extent  of 
his  wishes  ;  and  in  consequence  thereof,  works  of 
the  greatest  utility  have  been  nearly  accomplished. 
They  went  one  step  farther,  and  by  a  legislative 
act  vested  in  him,  at  the  expense  of  the  state,  one 
hundred  and  fifty  shares  in  the  navigation  of  the 
rivers  Potownmc  and  James.  The  act  for  this  pur- 
pose was  introduced  with  the  following  preamble  ; 
"  Whereas  it  is  the  desire  of  the  representatives 
of  this  commonwealth,  to  embrace  every  suitable 
occas  on  of  testifying  their  sense  of  the  unexam- 
pled merits  of  George  Washington,  Esq.  toward 
!Lis  country  ;  and  it  is  their  wish  in  particular  that 
those  great  works  for  its  improvement,  which,  both 
as  springing  from  the  liberty  which  he  has  been 
so  instrumental  in  establishing,  and  as  encouraged. 
by  his  patronage,  will  be  durable  monuments  of 
his  glory, .  may  be  made  monuments  also  of  the 
.gratitw.de  of  hi$  country.  Be  it  enasted,"  &e» 


ft&OKGE  WASHINGTON*. 


fill 


To  the  friend  who  conveyed  to  Washington  the 
first  in<tj%enee  of  this  bill,  he  replied,  "  It  is  not 
easy  ibr  me  to  decide,  by  which  my  mind  \vas 
most  affected  upon  the  receipt  of  your  letter  o(  the 
sixth  instant,  surprise  or  gratitude.  Both  were 
greater  than  I  had  words  to  express.  The  atten- 
tion and  good  wishes-  which  the  assembly  have 
evidenced  by  tliBr  act  for  vesting  in  me  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  sh  iresJn  the  navigation  of  the  rivers 
Potowmac  and  James,  is  more  than  mere  compli- 
ment. There  is  an  unequivocal  and  substantial 
meaning  annexed.  But  believe  me,  sir,  no  .cir- 
cumstance has  happened  since  I  left  the  walks  of 
public  life,  which  has  so., much  embarrassed  me. 
On  the  one  hand,  I  consider  this  act  as  a  noble  and 
unequivocal  proof  of  the  good  opinion,  the  affec- 
tion, and  disposition,  of  my  country  to  serv^  me  ^ 
and  I  should  be  hurt,  if  by  declining  the  acqep- 
tance  of  it,  my  refusal  should  be  construed  into 
disrespect  or  the  smallest  slight  upon  the  generous 
intention  of  the  legislature,  or  that  an  ostentatious 
display  of  disinterestedness  or  public  virtue  was 
the  source  of  refusal. 

"  On  the  other  hand,  it  is  really  my  wisfrto  have 
my  mind  and  my  actions,  which  are  the  result  of 
reflection,  as  free  and  independent  as  the  air,  that 
I  may  be  more  at  liberty  to  express  my  sentiments, 
and  if  necessary  to  suggest  what  may  occur  to  me 
under  the  fullest  conviction,  that  although  my 
judgment  may  be  arraigned,  there  will  be  no  sus- 
picion that  sinister  motives  had  the  smallest  influ- 
ence in  the  suggestion.  Not  content  then  with 
the  bare  conseiv>dv;css  of  >ny  having,  in  all  this 
navigation  busmess,  acted  upon  the  clearest  con> 


LIFE  OF 

victioii  of  the  political  importance  of  the  measure, 
I  would  wish  that  every  individual  who  may  hear 
that  it  was  a  favourire  plan  of  mine,  may  knowal-- 
so  that  I  had  no  other  motive  for  promoting  it  than 
the  advantage  of  which  I  conceived  it  would  be 
productive  to  the  union  at  large,  and  to*  this  state 
in  particular,  by  cementing  the  eastern  and  wes- 
tern territory  together  ;  at  the  Ane  time,  that  it 
,will  give  vigour  to  and  increase  our  commerce, 
and  be  a  convenience  to  our  citizens. 

"  Mow  would  this  matter  be  viewed  then  by 
the  eye  of  the  world,  and  what  opinion  would  be 

formed,  when  it  comes  to  be  related  that  G 

W n  exerted  himself  to  effect  this  work, 

and  that  (i W n  has  received  twenty* 

thousand  dollars,  and  five  thousand  pounds  ster- 
ling of  the  public  money  as  an  interest  therein  ? 
Would  not  this,  if  I  am  entitled  to  any  merit  for 
the  part  I  have  performed,  and  without  it  there  is 
no  foundation  "for  the  act,  deprive  me  of  the  princi- 
pal thing  which  is  laudable  in  my  conduct  ?  Would 
it  not  in  some  respects  be  considered  in  the  same 
light  as  a  pension  ?  And  would  not  the  apprehen- 
sions of  this  induce  me  to  oiler  my  sentiments  in 
future  wi'h  the  more  reluctance  ?  In  a  word,  un- 
der whatever  pretence,  and  however  customary 
these  gratuities  may  be  in  other  countries,  should 
I  not  thenceforward  btr  considered  as  a  dependent  F 
One  moment's  thought  of  which  would  give  me 
more  pain,  than  I  should  receive  pleasure  from  the 
product  of  all  the  tolls,  was  every  farthing  of  them 
vested  in  int." 

To  the  Governor  of  the  state,  on  receiving  from 
him  an  official  copy  of  the  aforesaid  act,  Washing- 
ton replied  us  follows  ; 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 


213 


"  Your  excellency  having  been  pleased  to  trans- 
mit me  a  copy  of  the  |ct  appropriating  to  my  ben- 
efit certain  shares  in  the  companies  for  opening  the 
navigation  of  James  and  Potowtnac  rivers^  I  take 
the  liberty^pf  returning  to  the  general  assembly, 
through  your  hands,  the  profound  and  grateful 
acknowledgmen^Jnspired  by  so  signal  a  rna;k  of 
their  beneficent  mentions  toward  me.  I  beg  you, 
sir,  to  assure  them  tha^Iam  filled  on  this  occasion 
wllh  every  sentiment  which  can  flow  from  a  heart 
warm  with  love  to  my  country,  sensible  to  every 
token  of  its  approbation  and  affection,  and  solici- 
tous to  testify  in  every  instance  a  respectful  sub- 
mission to  its  wishes. 

"  With  these  sentiments  in  my  bosom,  I  need 
not  dwell  on  the  anxiety  I  feel,  in  being  obliged, 
in  this  instance,  to  decline  a  favour  which  i.»  ren- 
dered no  less  flattering  by  the  manner  in  which  it 
is  conveyed,  than  it  is  affectionate  in  itself,  In  ex- 
plaining this,  I  pass  over  a  comparison  of  my  en- 
deavours in  the  public  service,  with  the  many  hon- 
ourable testimonies  of  approbation  which  have  al- 
ready so  far  over  rated  and  overpaid  them  ;  recit- 
ing one  consideration  only,  which  supersedes  the 
necessity  of  recurring  to  every  other. 

"  When  I  was  first  called  to  the  station  with 
which  I  was  honoured  during  the  late  conflict  for 
our  liberties,  to  the  diffidence  winch  I  had  so 
many  reasons  to  feel  in  accepting  it,  I  thought  it 
my  ducy  to  join  a  firm  resolution  to  shut  my  hand 
v  vi  i)  pecuniary  recompense.  To  this 
r  >  on  {  have  invariably  adhered,  and  from  it, 
if  *  dination,  I  do  not  consider  myself 

at  iiiATiy  now  to  depart. 


214  THE  LIFE  OP 

"  Whilst  I  repeat,  therefore,  my  fervent  ac- 
knowledgments to  the  legislature  for  their  very 
kind  sentiments  and  intentions  yi  my  favour,  and 
at  the  same  time  b*g  them  to  be  persuaded,  that 
a  remembrance  of  this  singular  proof  of  their 
goodness  toward  me  will  never  cease  to  cherish 
returns  of  the  warmest  affectionand  gratitude  ;  I 
must  pray  that  their  act,  so  far  IB  it  has  for  its  ob- 
ject my  personal  emolument,  may  not  have  its  ef- 
fect ;  but  if  it  should  please  the  general  assembly 
to  permit  me  to  turn  the  destination  of  the  fund 
vested  in  ine,  from  rr.y  private  emolument  to  ob- 
jects of  a  public  nature,  it  will  be  my  study  in  se- 
lecting the st.*,  to  prove  the  sincerity  of  my  gratitude 
for  the  honour  conferred  upon -me,  by  preferring 
such  as  may  appear  most  sub.;er\  k-nt  to  the  en- 
lightened 'dud  pau'Kivie  views  of  ihe  legislature. *' 

The  wishes  suggested  in  this  !.  Itcf  were  sanc- 
tioned by  the  legJ^'iature  ;  and,  at  a  subsequent- 
time,  the  trust  w;<s  executed  by  conveying  riie 
shares  to  the  use  of  a  seminary  of  learning  in  the 
vicinity  of  each  river. 

Near  the  close  of  the  revolutionary  war,-  the  of- 
ficers of  the  American  army,  with  a  view  of  per- 
petuating their  friendships,  formed  themselves  in- 
to a  i-o-jierv,  to  be  named  after  the  famous  Roman 
p.ano%  Cinclnnatus.  At  the  head  of  tnrfr  socie- 
ty, Gen.  Washington  was  placed,  by  the  rules  of 
their  insiiiution,  the  honours  of  the  sooieiy  were 
to  be  hereditary  in  their  respective  families,  oud 
distinguished  individuals  might  beaduiiitedasi»on- 
orary  members  for  htV:.  rjf&se circumsta«ces,Kto- 
g .'her  \vi'h  'i-c  union  of  the  officers  oi  tru  iir-iiy, 
gave  aa  alarm  to  the  community  ;  several  inclivicl- 


«EORGE  WASHINGTON'. 

uals  of  which  supposed  .that  the  hereditary  part  of 
the  institution  would  he  a  germ  of  nobility.  It 
was  the  usual  policy  of  Washington  to  respect  the 
opinions  of  the  people,  in  matters  indifferent,  or  of 
small  magnitude,  though  he  might  think  them  mis- 
taken. Having  ascertained  to  his  own  satisfaction, 
that  a  degree  of  jealousy  pervaded  the  mass  of  the 
people,  respecting  the  probable  tendency  of  this 
perpetual  hereditary  society,  he  successfully  ex- 
erted his  influence  to  new  model  its  rules,  by  re- 
linquishing the  hereditary  principle  and  the  power 
of  adopting  honorary  members.  The  result  prov- 
ed the  wisdom  of  ihe  measure  ;  for  all  jealousies 
of  the  society  henceforward  were  done  awav,  and 
the  members  thereof  were  received  as  brethren, 
by  the  most  suspicious  of  their  fellovvcitizens. 

When  Washington,  at  the  close -of  the  revolu- 
tionary war,  became  a  private  citizen,  nib  country 
confidently  anticipated  every  possible  blessing  from 
peace,  independence,  and  self  government.  But? 
experience  soon  proved  the  inefficacy  of  existing-, 
systems  for  promoting  national  happiness,  or  j;  re- 
serving national  dignity.  Congress  had  neither- 
the  power  nor  the  means  of  doing  justice  to  pub- 
lic creditors,  nor  of  enforcing  the  respect  of  for-^ 
eign  nations.  Gold  and  silver  vanibhed  ;  com- 
merce languished  ;  property  was  depreciated  ; 
and  credit  expired.  The  lovers  of  liberty  and  in-j 
dependence  began  to  be  less  sanguine  in  their 
hopes  from  the  American  revolution,  ;:>  d  •.<>  -Var 
tlr-it  they  tad  built  a  visionar}  fabric  of  govern-] 
nv-nt  on  the  fallacious  ideas  of  public  virtu .  ^  jr 
the  first  five  or  six  years  immediately 


216  THE  LIFE  OF 

peace,  the  splendour  which  surrounded  the  infant 
si  -.lets  from  their  successful  struggle  in  the  cause  of 
independence  and  self  government,  was  daily  dark- 
ins  state  of  things  could  not  be  indifferent 
to  Washington.     He  was  among  the  first  to  dis- 
cover the   cause,  and  to   point   out  the  remedy. 
The  inefficient  support  he  received  while  com- 
mander in  chief,  proved  the  inefftcacy  of  the  arti- 
cies  of  confederation,  for  raising  and  supporting  a 
requisite  military  force.     The  experience  of  the 
first  years  of  peace,  proved  their  total  inadequacy 
for  the  purpose  of  national  government.     From 
want  of  vigour   in  the  federal   head,  the  United 
States  were  fast  dwindling  into  separate  sovereign- 
ties, unconnected  by  any  bond  of  union,  equal  to 
public  exigency.     The  private  letters  of  Wash- 
ington at  this  time,  show  his  anxiety  for  his  coun- 
try's welfare,   and  his  wisdom  in  pointing   out  a 
remedy  for  its  degradation.     In  one  of  them  he 
observes,  "  The  confederation  appears  to  me  to 
be  litde  more  than  a  shadow  without  the  substance, 
and  Congress  a  nugatory  body,  their  ordinances 
being  little  mended  to.     To  me  it  is  a  solecism 
in  politics  ;  indeed  it  is  one  of  the  most  extraor- 
dinary things  in  nature,  that  we  should  confederate 
as  a  nation,  and  yet  be  afraid  to  give  the  rulers  of 
that  nation,  who  are  the  creatures  of  our  own  mak- 
ing, appointed  for  a  limited  and  short  duration, 
and  who  are  amenable  for  eve ly  action,  recallable 
at  any  moment,  and  subject  to  all  the  evils  which 
they  may  be  instrumental  in  producing,  sufficient 
powers  to  order  and  direct  the  affairs  of  the  same. 
By    such  policy  the  wheels  of  government  are 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON".  217 

clogged,  and  our  brightest  prospects,  and  that 
Jiigh  expectation  which  was  entertained  of  us  by 
"the  wondering  world,  are  turned  into  astonish- 
ment ;  and  from  the  high  ground  on  which  we 
stood,  we  are  descending  into  the  vale  of  confusion 
and  darkness. 

"  That  we  have  it  in  our  power  to  become  one 
of  the  most  respectable  nations  upon  earth,  ad- 
mits, in  my  humble  opinion,  of  no  doubt,  if  we 
would  but  pursue  a  wise,  just,  and  liberal  policy 
toward  one  another,  and  would  keep  good  faith 
with  the  rest  of  the  world.  That  our  resources 
are  ample  and  increasing,  none  can  deny  ;  but  while 
they  are  grudgingly  applied,  or  not  applied  at  all, 
we  give  a  vital  stab  to  public  faith,  and  will  sink 
in  the  eyes  of  Europe  into  contempt." 

In  another,  "  It  is  one  of  the  evils  of  democrat- 
ic governments,  that  the  people,  not  always  seeing, 
and  frequently  misled,  must  often  feel  before  they 
are  set  right.  But  evils  of  this  nature  seldom  fail 
to  work  their  own  cure.  It  is  to  be  lamented, 
nevertheless,  that  the  remedies  are  so  slow,  and 
that  those  who  wish  to  apply  them  seasonably,  are 
not  attended  to  before  they  suffer  in  person,  in  in- 
terest, and  in  reputation.  I  am  not  without  hopes 
that  matters  will  soon  take  a  favourable  turn  in 
the  federal  constitution.  The  discerning  part  of 
the  community  have  long  since  seen  the  necessity 
of  giving  adequate  powers  to  Congiess  for  nation- 
al purposes,  and  those  of  a  different  description 
must  yield  to  it  ere  long." 

In  a  letter  to  Mr.  Jay,  Gew.  Washington  ob- 
served ;  "  Your  sentiments  tnui  our  affairs  are 
drawing  rapidly  to  a  crisis,  accord  with  my  own. 
20 


218       «  THE  LIFE  OF 

What  the  event  will  be,  is  also  beyond  the  reach 
of  my  foresight.  We  have  errors  to  correct ;  we 
have  probably  had  too  good  an  opinion  of  human 
nature  in  forming  our  confederation.  Experience 
has  taught  us  that  men  will  not  adopt  and  carry  in- 
to execution,  measures  the  best  calculated  for 
their  own  good,  without  the  intervention  of  coer- 
cive power.  I  do  not  conceive  we  can  subsist 
long  as  a 'nation,  without  lodging  jsomewhere  a 
power  which  will  pervade  the  whole  union  in  as 
energetic  a  manner,  as  the  authority  of  the  state 
governments  extends  over  the  several  states.  To 
be  fearful  of  investing  Congress,  constituted  as 
that  body  is,  with  ample  authorities  for  national 
purposes,  appears  to  me  the  very  climax  of  popu- 
lar absurdity  and  madness.  Could  Congress  ex- 
ert them  for  the  detriment  of  the  people,  without 
injuring  themselves  in  an  equal  or  greater  propor- 
tion ?  Are  not  their  interests  inseparably  connect- 
ed with  those  of  their  constituents  ?  By  the  rota- 
tion of  appointment,  must  they  not  mingle  fre- 
quently with  the  mass  of  citizens  ?  Is  it  not  rather 
to  be  apprehended,  if  they  were  possessed  of  the 
powers  before  described,  that  the  individual  mem- 
bers would  be  induced  to  use  them  on  many  oc- 
ci"!t;k>:ss,  very- timidly  and  inefncaciously,  for  fear  of 
lor-i  g  their  popularity  and  f inure  election  ?  We 
iiiiist  take  human  nature  as  we  find,  it;  perfection 
falls  not  to  the  share  of  mortaJs.  Many  are  of 
opinion,  that  Congress  have  too  frequently  made 
use  of  the  suppliant  humble  tone  of  requisition,  in 
applications  to  the -states,  when  they  had  a  right  to 
assert  their  imperial  dignity,  a* id  command  obe- 
dience. ,  Be  that  as  it  may,  requisitions  are  a  per- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

feet  nullity,  where  thirteen  sovereign,  independent, 
disunited  states,  are  in  the  habit  of  discussing,  and 
refusing  or  complying  with  them  at  their  option* 
Requisitions  are  actually  little  better  than  a  jest 
and  a  byeword  throughout  the  land.  If  you  tell 
the  legislatures  they  have  violated  the  treaty  of 
peace,  and  invaded  the  prerogatives  of  the  confed- 
eracy, they  will  laugh  in  your  face.  What  then 
is  to  be  done  ?  Things  cannot  go  on  in  the  same 
train  for  ever.  It  is  much  to  be  feared,  as  you  ob- 
serve, tlrat  the  better  kind  of  people,  being  disgust- 
ed with  these  circumstances,  will  have  their  minds 
prepared  for  any  revolution  whatever.  We  are 
apt  to  run  from  one  extreme  into  another.  To 
anticipate  and  prevent  disastrous  contingences, 
would  be  the  part  of  wisdom  and  patriotism. 

"  What  astonishing  changes  are  a  few  years  ca- 
pable of  producing  !  I  am  told  that  even  respect- 
able characters  speak  of  a  monarchical  form  of  gov- 
ernment, without  horror.  From  thinking,  proceeds 
speaking  ;  thence  to  acting  is  often  but  a  single 
step.  But  how  irrevocable  and  tremendous  ! 
What  a  triumph  for  our  enemies  to  verify  their 
predictions  !*  What  a  triumph  for  the  advocates  of 
despotism  to  find  that  we  are  incapable  of  govern- 
ing  ourselves,  and  that  systems  founded  on  the 
basts  of  equal  liberty,  are  merely  ideal  and  falla- 
cious !  Would  to  God  that  wise  measures  may  be 
taken  in  time,  to  avert  the  consequences  we  have 
but  too  much  reason  to  apprehend."  "  Retired 
as  I  am  from  the  world,  I  frankly  acknowledge,  I 
cannot  feel  myself  an  unconcerned  spectator  Yet- 
having  happily  assisted  in  bringing  the  ship  into 


THE  LIFE  Olf' 

port,  and  having  been  fairly  discharged,  it  is  not 
my  business  to  embark  again  on  a  sea  of  troubles. 

"  Nor  could  it  be  expected  that  my  sentiments 
and  opinions  would  have  much  weight  on  the 
minds  of  my  countrymen.  They  "have  been  neg-' 
kcted,  though  given  as  a  last  legacy,  in  the  most 
solemn  manner.  I  had  then,  perhaps,  some  claims 
to  public  attentions,  I  consider  myself  as  having 
abne  at  present." 

Illumination,  on  the  subject  of  enlarging  the 
powers  of  Congress,  was  gradual.  Washington, 
HI  his  extensive  correspondence  and  intercourse 
with  the  leading  characters  of  the  different  states, 
urged  the  necessity  of  a  radical  reform  in  the  ex- 
'isting  system  of  government.  The  business  was 
at  length  seriously  taken  up,  and  a  proposition  was 
made  by  Virginia,  for  electing  deputies  to  a  gen- 
eral convention,  for  the  sole  purpose  of  revising 
the  federal  system  of  government. 

While  this  proposition  was  under  consideration,, 
an  event  took  place,  which  pointed  out  the  propri- 
|  $ty  of  its  adoption.     The  pressure  of  evils  in  a 
!  great  degree  resulting  from  the  imbecility  of  gov- 
\  ©rnment,  aided  by  erroneous  opinions,  which  con- 
(found  liberty  with  licentiousness,  produced  com- 
Imotions  in  Massachusetts,  which  amounted  to  trea- 
(son  and  rebellion.     On  this  occasion,  Washing- 
ton expressed  himself  in  a  letter  as  follows  ;  "  The 
commotions  and  temper  of  numerous   bodies  in 
the  eastern  country,  present  a  state  of  things  equal- 
ly to  be  lamented  and  deprecated.     They  exhibit 
a  melancholy  verification  of  what  our  transatlantic 
iocs  have  predicted,  and  of  another  thing  perhaps, 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  221 

which  is  still  more  to  be  regretted,  and  is  yet 
more  unaccountable,  that  mankind  when  left  to 
themselves,  are  unfit  for  their  own  government. 
I'am  mortified  beyond  expression,  when  I  view 
the  clouds  which  have  spread  over  the  brightest 
morn  that  ever  dawned  upon  my  country.  In  a 
word,  I  am  lost  in  amazement,  when  I  behold 
what  intrigue  the  interested  views  of  desperate 
characters,  ignorance  and  jealousy  of  the  minor 
part,  are  capable  of  effecting,  as  a  scourge  on  the 
major  part  of  our  fellovvcitizens  of  the  union  ;  for 
it  is  hardly  to»  be  supposed,  that  the  great  body  of 
the  people,  though  they  will  not  act,  can  be  so 
short  sighted,  or  enveloped  in  darkness,  as  not  to 
see  rays  of  a  distant  sun  through  all  this  mist  of 
intoxication  and  folly. 

"  You  talk,  my  good  sir,  of  employing  influ- 
ence to  appease  the  present  tumults  in  Massachu- 
setts. I  know  not  where  that  influence  is  to  be 
found,  nor,  if  attainable,  that  it  would  be  a  proper 
remedy  for  these  disorders.  Influence  is  not  gov- 
ernment. Let  us  have  a  government  by  which 
our  lives,  liberties,  and  properties,  will  be  secured^ 
or  let  us  know  the  worst  at  once.  Under  these 
impressions,  my  humble  opinion  is,  that  there  is 
a  call  for  decision.  Know  precisely  what  the  in- 
surgents  aim  at.  If  they  have  real  grievances,  re- 
dress them  if  possible,  or  acknowledge  the  jtisti  e 
-of  them,  and  your  inability  to  do  it  in  the  present 
moment.  If  they  have  not,  employ  the  force  of 
government  against  them  at  oru-e.  If  this  is  in- 
atlcq  ate,  ail  will  be  convinced  that  Uie  superstruc- 
ture i.-*  btid,  or  w.ijj'jb  support.  To  be  njorc  ex- 
posed in  the  evv;sol  the  woi  id,  and  more  coutemp- 


222  THE  Ltl  I 

tible,  is  hardly  possible.  To  delay  one  Of  the  oth- 
er of  these  expedients,  is  to  exasperate  on  the  one 
hand,  or  to  give  confidence  on  the  other,  and  will 
add  to  their  numbers ;  for  like  snowballs  such 
bodies  increase  by  every  movement,  unless  there 
is  something  in  the  way  to  obstruct  and  crumble 
them  before  their  weight  is  too  great  and  irresisti- 
ble. 

"  These  are  my  sentiments.  Precedents  are 
dangerous  things.  Let  the  reins  of  government, 
then,  be  braced  and  held  with  a  steady  hand,  and 
every  violation  of  the  constitution  be  reprehend- 
ed. If  detective,  let  it  be  a  mended, -but  not  suf- 
fered to  be  trampled  upon  while  it  has  an  exist- 


Virginia  placed  the  name  of  Washington  at  the 
head  of  her  delegates  for  the  proposed  convention. 
Letters  poured. in  upon  him  from  all  sides,  urging 
his  acceptance  of  the  appointment.  In  answer  to 
one  from  Mr.  Madison,  who  had  been  the  princi- 
pal advocate  of  the  measure  in  the  Virginia  legis- 
lature, Gen.  Washington  replied,  "  Although  I 
have  bid  a  public  adieu  to  the  public  walks  of  life, 
and  had  resolved  never  more  to  tread  that  theatre, 
yet,  if  upon  any  occasion  so  interesting  to  the  well 
being  of  our  confederacy,  it  had  been  the  wish  of 
the  assembly  that  I  should  be  an  associate  in  the 
business  of  revising  the  federal  system,  I  should, 
from  a  sense  of  the  obligation  I  am  under  for  re- 
peated proofs  of  confidence,  in  me,  more  than  from 
any  opinion  I  could  entertain  of  my  usefulness, 
have  obeyed  its  call  ;  but  it  is  now  out  of  my 
power  to  do  this  with  any  degree  of  consistency, 
The  cause  I  will  mention. 


iBEORGE  WASHINGTON.  3 

"  I  presume  you  heard,  sh%  that  I  was  first  ap- 
pointed, and  have  since  been  rechosen,  president 
of  the  society  of  the  Cincinnati  ;  and  you  may  have 
understood  also,  that  the  triennial  general  meeting 
of  this  body  is  to  be  held  in  Philadelphia  the  first 
Monday  in  May  next.  Some  particular  reasons, 
combining  with  the  peculiar  situation  of  my  pri- 

I  vate  concerns,  the  necessity  of  paying  attention  to 
them,  a  wish  for  retirement,  and  relaxation  from 
public  cares,  and  rheumatic  pains,  which  I  begin 
to  feel  very  sensibly,  induced  me,  on  the  31st. 
ultimo,  to  address  a  circular  letter  to  each  state 
society,  informing  them  of  my  intention  not  to  be 
at  the  next  meeting,  and  of  my  desire  not  to  be 

<  rechose'n  president.  The  vice  president  is  also 
informed  of  this,  that  the  business  of  the  society 
may  not  be  •impeded  by  my  absence-  Under 
the  se  circumstances  it  will  readily  be  perceived^ 
that  I  could  not  appear  at  the  same  time  and  place, 
on  any  other  occasion,  without  giving  offence  to 
a  very  respectable  and  deserving  part  of  the  com- 
munity ;  the  late  officers  of  the  American  army." 
The  meeting  of  the  convention  was  postponed 

|  to  a  day  subsequent  to  that  of  the  meeting  of  the 
Cincinnati.  This  removed  one  of  the  difficulties 
in  the  way  of  Washington- s  acceptance  of  a  seat 
in  the  convention,  and,  joined  with  the  importance 
of  the  call,  and  ruVs  own  eager  desire  to  advance 

-'.the  public  interest,  finally  induced  .his  compliance 

&Xvith  the  wishes  of  his  friends. 

The  convention  met  in  Philadelphia,  in  May, 
and  unanimously  chose  George  Washington  their 
president.  Oa  the  1 7th.  of  September,  1787  7  they 


THE  LIFE  OF 

closed  their  labours,  and  submitted  the  result  to 
Congress,  with  their  opinion  "  that  it  should  be 
submitted  to  a  convention  of  delegates  chosen  in 
each  state  by  the  people  thereof,  Under  the  recom- 
mendation* of  its  legislature,  tor  their  assent  and 
ratification." 

By  this  new  form  of  government,  ample  powers 
were  given  to  Congress  without  the  intervention 
of  the  states,  for  every  purpose  that  national  digni- 
ty, interest,  or  happiness,  required. 

The  ablest  pens  and  most  eloquent  tongues 
were  employed  for,  and  against,  its  acceptance. 
In  this  animated  contest,  Washington  took  no  part. 
Having  with  his  sword  vindicated  the  right  of  his 
country  to  self  government,  and  having  with  his 
advice  aided  in  digesting  an  efficient  form  of  gov- 
ernment, which  he  molt  thoroughly  approved,  it 
would  seem  as  though  he  wished  the  people  to 
decide  for  themselves,  whether  to  accept  or  re- 
ject it. 

The  constitution  being  accepted  by  eleven 
states,  and  preparatory  measures  being  taken  for 
bringing  it  into  operation,  all  eyes  were  turned  to 
Washington,  as  being  the  fittest  man  for  the  of- 
fice of  president  of  the  United  States.  His  cor- 
rcspondc-ntb  began  to  press  hjs  acceptance  of  the 
hi<!!i  orllce,  .as  essential  to  the  wdi  being  o;  his 
country. 

To  those  who  think  that  Washington  was  like 
other  me.n,  it  \vjii  scarcely  appear  possible,  that 
supreme  iir.gi.j.'racy  possessed  no  charms  sufficient 
to  tempt  sum  fiom  his  beloved  retirement,  whc:n 
he  was  healthy  and  strong,  and  only  fifty  seven 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  .      225 

years  old  ;  but  if  an  opinion  can  be  formed  of  his 
real  sentiments,  from  the  tenour  of  his  life  and 
confidential  communications  to  his  most  intimate 
frends,  a  conviction  will  be  produced,  that  his 
acceptance  of  the  Presidency  of  the  United  States 
was  the  result  of  a  victory  obtained  by  a  sense  of 
duty  over  his  inclinations,  and  was  a  real  sacrifice 
of  the  latter  to  the  former. 

In  a  letter  to  Col.  Henry  Lee,  Washington  ob- 
serves; "  Notwithstanding  my  advanced  season 
of  life,  my  increasing  fondness  for  agricultural 
amusements,  and  my  growing  love  of  retirement, 
augment  and  confirm  my  decided  predilection  for 
the  character  of  a  private  citizen  ;  yet  it  will  be  no 
one  of  these  motives,  nor  the  hazard  to  which  my 
former  reputation  might  be  exposed,  nor  the  ter- 
ror of  encountering  new  fatigues  and  troubles,  that 
would  deter  me  from  an  acceptance,  but  a  belief 
that  some  other  person  who  had  less  pretence  and 
less  inclination  to  be  excused,  could  execute  all 
the  duties  full  as  satisfactorily  as  myself.  To  say 
more  would  be  indiscreet,  as  a  disclosure  of  a  re- 
fusal beforehand  might  incur  the  application  of 
the  fable,  in  which  the  fox  is  represented  as  un- 
dervaluing the  grapes  he  could  not  reach.  You 
will  perceive,  my  clear  sir,  by  what  is  here  observ- 
ed, and  which  you  will  be  pleased  to  consider  in 
the  light  of  a  confidential  communication,  that 
my  inclinations  will  dispose  and  decide  me  to  re- 
main as  I  am,  unless  a  clear  and  insurmountable 
conviction  should  be  impressed  on  my  mind,  that 
f?-some  very  disagreeable  consequences  must  in  all 
human  probability  result  from  the  indulgence  of 
my  wishes." 


THE  LIFE  OF 

In  a  letter  to  Col.  Hamilton,  Washington  ob- 
serves ;  "  If  I  am  not  grossly  deceived  in  myself, 
I  should  unfeignedly  rejoice,  in  case  the  electors, 
by  giving  their  votes  to  some  other  person,  would 
save  me  from  the  dreadful  dilemma  of  being  forc- 
ed to  accept  or  refuse.  If  that  may  not  be,  I  am 
in  the  next  place,  earnestly  desirous  of  searching 
out  the  tru-tlr,  and  of  knowing  whether  there  does 
not  exist  a  probability  that  the  government  would 
just  as  happily  and  effectually  be  carried  into  ex- 
ecution,  without  my  aid,  as  with  it.  I  am  truly 
solicitous  to  obtain  all  the  previous  information 
which  the  circumstances  will  afford,  and  to  deter- 
mine, when  the  determination  can  no  longer  be 
postponed,  according  to  the  principles  of  right 
reason,  and  the  dictates  of  a  clear  conscience, 
without  too  great  a  reference  to  the  unforeseen 
consequences  which  may  affect  my  person  or  rep- 
utation.  Until  that  period,  I  may  fairly  hold  my- 
self open  to  conviction,  though  I  allow  your  \ 
sentiments  to  have  weight  in  them  ;  and  I  shall 
not  puss  bv  your  arguments,  without  giving  them 
as  dispassionate  a  consideration  as  I  can  possibly  «! 
bestow  upon  them. 

"  Ifi  taking  a  survey  of  the  subject,  in  whatever  | 
point  of  li;_:;ht  I  have  been  able  to  place  it,   I    will  ,, 
not  suppress,   die  acknowledgment,   my  cka.r  sir, 
that  i  havr  always  felt  a  kind  of  gloom  u;  oa  my  \ 
imnd,  as   often  as  1  have  been  taught  to  expect  I 
rnr-ht,  and  perhaps,  must  be  called  upon  ere  long 
to   f?  ike  the  decision.     You  will,  I  am  well  assur- 
ed,     iiev£  the  u^mion,  though  1  have  little  cx- 
p>     ation  it  would  gain  credit  from  those  who  cire 
less  acquainted  with  me,  that  if  I  should  receive- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  227 

the  appointment,  and  should  be  prevailed  upon  to 
accept  it,  the  (acceptance  would  be  attended  with 
more  difficulty  and  reluctance,  than  I  ever  expe- 
rienced before.  It  would  be,  however,  with  a  fix- 
ed and  sole  determination  of  lending  whatever  as- 
sistance might  be  in  my  power  to  promote  the 
public  weal,  in  hopes  that  at  a  convenient  and 
early  period,  my  services  might  be  dispensed 
with  ;  and  that  I  might  be  permitted  once  more 
to  retire,  to  pass  an  unclouded  evening,  after  the 
stonny  day  of  life,  in  the  bosom  of  domestic  tran- 
quillity." . 

In  a  letter  to.  Gen.  Lincoln,  Washington  ob- 
serves ;  ".I  'may,  however,  with  great  sincerity, 
and  I  believe  without  offending  Against  modesty 
and  propriety,  say  to  you,  that  I  most  heartily 
wish  the  choice  to  which  you  allude,,  might  not 
fall  upon  me  ;  and  that  if  it  should,  I  must  reserve 
to  myself  the  right  of  making  up  my  final  decis- 
ion, at  the  last  moment  when  it  can  be  brought 
into  one  view,  and  when  the  expediency  or  inex- 
pediency of  a  refusal  can  be  more  judiciously  de- 
termined, than  at  present.  But  be  assured,  my 
dear  sir.  if,  from  any  inducement,  I  shall  be  per- 
suaded ultimately  to  accept,  it  will  not  be,  so  far 
as  I  know  my  own  heart,  from  any  of  a  private  or 
personal  nature.  Every  personal  consideration 
Conspires  to  rivet  me,  if  I  may  u<e  the  expres- 
sion,  to  retirement*  At  my  time  of  life,  a«.cl  un- 
der my  circumstances,  not  hi  5. g-  in  this  world  can 
ever  draw  me  from  it,  unless  it  !)<  a  co  i\  i/tion 
that  the  partiality  of  my  cou>itry<"en  had  rnt.de 
my  sci  vices  absolutely  IK.  j  )i:  ;.  ci  to  a  fear 

that  Imy  refusal  might  induce  a  belief  Unit  1  pre- 


228 


LIFE  OF 


ferred  the  conversation  of  mv  own  reputation  and 
private  ease,  to  the  good  of  my  country.  After 
all,  if  I  should  conceive  myself  in  u  manner  con- 
str  ined  to  accept,  1  call  heaven  to  witness,  that 
th^s  very  act  would  be  the  greatest  sacrifice  of 
my  personal  feelings  and  wishes,  that  ever  I  have 
been  called  upon  to  make.  It  would  be  to  forego 
repose  and  domestic  enjoyment,  for  trouble,  per- 
haps for  public  -obloquy  ;  for  1  should  consider 
myself  as  entering  upon  an  unexplored  field,  en- 
velopcd  on  every  side  with  clouds  and  darkness. 

"  From  this  embarrassing  situation,  I  had  nat- 
urally supposed,  that  my  declarations  at  the  close 
of  the  war  would  have  saved  me,  and  that  my  sin- 
cere intentions,  then  publicly  made  known,  would 
have  effectually  precluded  me  for  ever  afterward 
from  bei  ig  looked  upon  as  a  candidate  for  any 
ofll.'e.  This  hope,  as  a  last  anchor  of  worldly 
happiness  in  old  age,  I  had  carefully  preserved, 
until  the  public  papers  and  private  letters  from 
my  correspondents  in  a!  most  every  quarter,  taught 
me  to  apprehend  that  I  might  soon  be  obliged  to 
answer  the  question,  whether  I  would  go  again 
into  public  life  or  not." 

In  a  letter  to  the  Marquis  de  la  Fayette,  Wash- 
ington observes,  "  Your  sentiments  indeed  coin- 
cide  much  more  nearly  with  those  of  my  other 
friends,  than  with  my  own  feelings.  In  truth,  my 
difficulties  increase  and  magnify  as  I  draw  toward 
the  period,  when,  according  to  the  common  be- 
lief, it  will  be  necessary  for  me  to  give  a  definirive 
answer  in  oile  way  or  other.  Should  circumstan- 
ces render  it  in  a  manner  inevitably  necessary  to 
be  in  the  affirmative,  be  assured,  my  dear  sir,  I 


KEORfeE  WASHINGTON. 


229 


shall  assume  the  task  with  the  most  unfeigned  re- 
luctance,  and  with  a  real  diffidence,  for  which  I 
shall  probably  receive  no  credit  from  the  world. 
If  I  know  my  own  heart,  nothing  short  of  a  con- 
viction of  duty,  will  induce  me  again  to  take  an 
active  part  in  public  affairs.  And  in  that  case,  if 
I  can  form  a  plan  for  my  own  conduct,  my  endeav- 
ours shall  be  unremittingly  exerted,  even  at  the 
hazard  of  former  fame  or  present  popularity,  to 
extricate  my  country  from  the  embarrassments  in. 
which  it  is  entangled  through  want  of  credit,  and 
to  establish  a  general  system  of  policy,  which,  if 
pursued,  will  ensure  permanent  felicity  to  the  com- 
monwealth. I  think  I  see  a  path  as  clear  and  as 
direct  as  a  ray  of  light,  which  leads  to  the  attain- 
ment of  that  object.  Nothing  but  harmony,  hon- 
esty, industry,  and  frugality,  are  necessary  to  make 
us  a  great  and  a  happy  people.  Happily  the  pres- 
ent posture  of  affairs,  and  the  prevailing  disposi- 
tion of  my  countrymen,  promise  to  co-  ope  rate  in 
establishing  those  four  great  and  essential  pillars 
of  public  felicity!"  - 

Before  the  election  of  a  president  came  on,  so 
universal  was  the  expectation  that  Washington 
would  be  elected,  that  numerous  applications  were 
made  to  him,  in  anticipation  for  offices  in  the  gov- 
ernment, which  would  be  in  his  gift.  To  one  of 
such  applicants  he  wrote  as  follows  ;  "  Should  it 
become  absolutely  necessary  for  me  to  occupy  the 
station  in  which  your  letter  presupposes  me,  I 
have  determined  to  go  into  it  perfectly  free  from 
all  engagements  of  every  nature  whatsoever.  A 
conduct  in  conformity  to  this  resolution^  would  en- 
Sl 


230  THE  LIFE  OF 

able  me  in  balancing  the  various  pretensions  of 
different  candidates  for  appointments,  to  act  with 
a  sole  reference  to  justice,  and  the  public  good. 
This  is  in  substance,  the  answer  that  I  have  given 
to  all  applications,  and  they  are  not  few,  which 
have  already  been  made." 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  231 


CHAPTER  XI. 

Washington  elected  President On  his  way  to  the  seat  of  government 

at  New  York,  receives  the  most  flattering  marks  of  respect  ....Ad- 
dresses Congress The  situation  of  the  United  States  in  their  foreiga 

and  domestic  relations,  at  the  inauguration  of  Washington Fills  up 

public  offices  solely  with  a  view  to  the  public  good Proposes  a  trea- 
ty to  the  Creek  Indians,  which  is  at  first  rejected.. ..Col.  Willet  in- 
duces the  heads  of  the  nation  to  come  to  New  York,  to  treat  there. 
The  North  Western  Indians  refuse  a  treaty,  but  after  defeating  Gen- 
erals Harmurand  Sinclair,  they  are  defeated  by  Gen.  Wayne  ....They 
then  submit,  and  agree  to  treat A  new  system  is  introduced  for  me- 
liorating their  condition. 


IT  was  intended  that  the  new  government  should 
have  commenced  its  operations  on  the  4th.  of 
March,  1789 ;  but  from  accidental  causes,  the 
election  of  Gen.  Washington  to  the  Presidency 
was  not  officially  announced  to  him  at  Mount  Ver- 
non,  till  the  14th.  of  next  April.  This  was  done 
by  Charles  Thomson,  Secretary  of  the  late  Con- 
gress, who  presented  to  him  the  certificate  signed 
by  the  president  of  the  senate  o£  the  United  States, 
stating  that  George  Washington  '.vas  unanimous- 
ly elected  president,  This  unexpected  delay 


THE  LIFE  OP 

regretted  by  the  public,  but  not  by  the  newly  elect- 
ed president.  In  a  Ittter  to  Gen.  Knox,  he  ob- 
served, vt  As  to  myself,  the  delay  may  be  compar- 
ed to  a  reprieve  ;  for  in  confidence  I  tell  you, 
th;  t  with  the  world  it  would  obtain  little  credit, 
my  movements  to  the  chair  of  government  will  be 
accompanied  by  feelings  not  unlike  those  of  a  cul- 
prit who  is  going  to  the  place  of  his  execution  ; 
so  unwilling  am  I  in  the  evening  of  life,  nearly  con- 
sumed in  public  cares,  to  quit  a  peaceful  abode 
for  an  ocean  of  difficulties,  without  that  competen- 
cy of  political  skill,  abilities,  and  inclination,  which 
are  necessary  to  manage  the  helm.  I  am  sensible 
that  1  am  embarking  the  voice  of  the  people,  and 
a  good  name  of  my  own,  on  this  voyage,  but  what 
returns  will  be  made  for  them,  heaven  alone  can 
foretell.  Integrity  and  firmness  are  all  1  can  prom- 
ise. These,  be  the  voyage  long  or  short,  shall 
rever  forsake  me,  although  I  may  be  deserted  by 
all  men  ;  for  of  the  consolations  which  are  to  be 
derived  from  these,  under  any  circumstances,  the 
woild  cannot  deprive  me." 

On  the  second  day  alter  receiving  notice  .of  his 
appointment,  Washington  set  out  for  New  York. 
On  his  way  thither,  the  road  was  crowded  with 
numbers  anxious  to  see  the  man  of  the  people. 
Escorts  of  militia,  and  of  gentlemen  of  the  first 
character  and  station,  attended  him  from  state  to 
state,  and  he  was  every  where  received  with  the 
highest  honours  which  a  grateful  and  admiring 
people  could  confer.  Addresses  of  congratulation 
\vtre  presented  to  him  by  the  inhabitants  of  almost 
even  place  oi consequence  through  which  he  pass- 


WASHINGTON.  233 

ed,  to  all  of  which  he  returned  such  modest,  un- 
assuming answers,  as  were  in  every  respect  suita- 
ble to  his  situation.  So  great  were  the  honours 
with  which  he  was  loaded,  that  they  could  scarce- 
ly have  failed  to  produce  haughtiness  in  the  mind 
of  any  ordinary  man  ;  but  nothing  of  the  kind  was 
ever  discovered  in  this  extraordinary  personage. 
On  all  occasions  he  behaved  to  all  men  with  ihe 
affability  of  one  citizen  to  another.  He  was  truly 
great  in  deserving  the  plaudits  of  his  country,  but. 
much  greater  in  not  being  elated  by  them 

Of  the  numerous  addresses  which  were  present* 
ed  on  this  occasion,  one  subscribed  by  Dennis 
Ramsay,  the  mayor  of  Alexandria,  in  the  name  of 
the  people  of  that  city,  who  were  the  neighbours  of 
Mr.  Washington,  was  particularly  and  universally 
admired.  It  was  in  the  following  words  ; 

"TO  GEORGE  WASHINGTON,  ESq.  PRESIDENT  OF  TRE  UNITED 
STATES,  &c. 

"  Again  your  country  commands  your  care. 
Obedient  to  its  wishes,  unmindful  of  your  ease, 
we  see  you*  again  relinquishing  the  bliss  of  retire- 
ment, and  this  too,  at  a  period  of  life  when  nature 
itself  seems  to  authorize  a  preference  of  repose. 

"  Not  to  extol  your  glory  as  a  soldier  ;  not  to 
pour  forth  our  gratitude  for  past  services  ;  not  to 
acknowledge  the  justice  of  the  unexampled  hon- 
our wh.ch  has  been  conferred  upon  you  by  the 
spontaneous  and  unanimous  suffrage  of  three  mil- 
lions of  freemen,-  in  your  election  to  the  supreme 
magistracy,  nor  to  admire  the  patriotism  which 
directs  your  conduct,  do  your  neighbours  and 
friei'ds  now  address  you.  >  less  splendid,. 

but  more  endearing,  impress  our  minds,  The 


234  THE  LIFE  OF 

first  and  best  of  citizens  must  leave  us  ;  our  aged 
must  lose  their  ornament ;  our  youth  their  model  ; 
our  agriculture  its  improver;  our  commerce  its 
friend  ;  our  infant  academy  its  protector ;  our  poor 
their  benefactor  ;  and  the  interior  navigation  of 
the  Potowmac,  an  event,  replete  with  the  most 
extensive  utility,  already  by  your  unremitted  ex- 
ertions brought  into  partial  use,  its  institutor  and 
promoter. 

"  Farewell  Go,  and  make  a  grateful  people 
happy  ;  a  people  who  will  be  doubly  grateful  when 
they  contemplate  this  recent  sacrifice  for  their  in- 
terest. 

"  To  that  Being  who  maketh  and  unmaketh  at 
his  will,  we  commend  you  ;  and  after  the  accom- 
plishment of  the  arduous  business  to  which  you 
are  called,  may  he  restore  to  us  again  the  best  of 
men,  and  the  most  beloved  iellowcitizen." 

To  thi^  Mr.  Washington  returned  the  following 
answer ; 

«  GENTLEMEN, 

"  Although  I  ought  not  to  conceal,  yet  I  can- 
not describe  the  painful  emotions  which  I  felt,  m 
being  called  upon  to  determine  whether  I  would 
accept  or  reiuse  the  Presidency  of  the  United 
States.  The  unanimity  in  the  choice ;  the  opin- 
ion of  my  friends  communicated  from  different 
parts  of  Europe  as  well  as  from  America  ;  the  ap- 
parent wish  of  those  who  were  not  entirely  satisfi- 
ed with  the  constitution  in  its  present  form,  and  an 
ardent  desire  on  my  ovvn  part  to  be  instrumental 
in  connecting  the  g*ood  will  of  my  country nx.r.  to- 
ward each  ether,  have  induced  an  acceptance 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

Those  who  know  me  best,  and  you,  my  fellowcit- 
iz.ns,  are,  from  your  situation,  in  that  number, 
know  better  tha;i  any  others,  my  love  of  retirement 
is  so  great,  that  no  earthly  consideration,  short  of 
a  conviction  of  duty,  could  have  prevailed  upon 
me  to  depart  from  my  resolution  '  never  more  to 
take  any  share  in  transactions  of  a  public  nature ;' 
for  at  my  age,  and  in  my  circumstances,  what  pros- 
pects or  advantages  could  I  propose  to  myself 
from  embarking  again  on  the  tempestuous  and  un- 
certain ocean  of  public  life? 

"  I  do  not  feel  myself  under  the  necessity  of 
making  public  declarations  in  order  to  convince 
you,  gentlemen,  of  my  attachment  to  yourselves,, 
and  regard  for  your  interests.  The  whole  tenour 
of  my  life  has  been  open  to  your  inspection,  and 
my  past  actions,  rather,  than  my  present  declara- 
tions, must  be  the  pledge  of  my  future  conduct. 

44  In  the  mean  time,  I  thank  you  most  sincerely 
for  the  expressions  of  kindness  contained  in  your 
valedictory  address.  It  is  true,  just  after  having 
bade  adieu  to  my  domestic  connexions,  this  ten- 
der proof  of  your  friendship  is  but  too  well  calcu- 
lated still  further  to  awaken  my  sensibility,  and  in- 
crease my  regret  at  parting  from -the  enjoyment  of 
private,  life. 

"  All  that  now  remains  for  me,  is  to  commit 
myself  and  you  to  the  protection  of  that  beneficent 
Being,  who  on  a  former  occasion  hath  happily 
brought  us  together,  after  a  long  and  distressing 
separation.  Perhaps  the  same  gracious  Provi- 
dence will  again  indulge  me.  Unutterable  sen- 
sations must  then  be  left  to  more  expressive  si- 


236  THE  LIFE  OF 

lence,  while  from  an  aching  heart  I  bid  all  my  af- 
fectionate friends  and  kind  neighbours  fart  well." 

Gray's  bridge  over  the  Schuylkill,  which  Mr. 
Washington  had  to  pass,  was  highly  decorated  with 
laurels  and  evergreens.  At  each  end  of  it  were 
erected  magnificent  arches,  composed  of  laurels, 
emblematical  of  the  ancient  Roman  triumphal  arch- 
es, and  on  each  side  of  the  bridge  was  a  laurel 
shrubbery.  As  Mr.  Washington  passed  the  bridge, 
a  youth  ornamented  with  sprigs  of  laurel,  assisted 
by  machinery,  let  drop  above  his  head,  though  un- 
perceived  by  him,  a  civic  crown  of  laurel.  Up- 
ward of  twenty  thousand  citizens  lined  the  fences, 
fields,  and  avenues,  between  the  Schuylkill  and 
Philadelphia.  Through  these  he  was  conducted 
to  the  city  by  a" numerous  and  respectable  body  of 
the  citizens,  where  he  partook  of  an  elegant  enter- 
tainment provided  for  him.  The  pleasures  of  the 
day  were  succeeded  by  a  handsome  display  of -fire- 
works in  the  evening. 

When  Mr.  Washington  crossed  the  Delaware,, 
and  landed  on  the  Jersey  shore,  he  was  saluted 
with  three  cheers  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  vicini- 
ty. When  he  came  to  the  brow  of  the  hill  on  his- 
way  to  Trenton,  a  triumphal  arch  was  erected  on 
the  bridge  by  the  direction  of  the  ladies  of  the 
place.  The  crown  of  the  arch  was  highly  orna- 
mented with  laurels  and  flowers,  and  on  it  was  dis- 
played in  large  figures,  "  December  26th.  1776." 
On  the  sweep  of  the  arch  beneath,  was  this  inscrip- 
tion, '*  The  Defender  of  the  Mothers  will  also 
protect  their  Daughters."  On  the  north  side  were 
ranged  a  number  of  female  children  dressed  in 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  237 

white,  with  garlands  of  flowers  on  their  heads,  and 
baskets  of  flowers  on  their  arms  ;  in  the  second 
row  stood  the  youni;  women,  and  behind  them  the 
married  l.tdies  of  the  vicinity.  The  instant  he 
passed  the  arch,  the  children  began  to  sing  the  fol- 
lowing ode. 

"  Welcome  mighty  chief!  once  more 
Welcome  to  this  grateful  shoro. 
Now  no  mercenary  foe 
Aims  again  the  fatal  litow, 
Aims  at  thee  the  fatal  hlow. 
Virgins  fait*,  and  matrons  grave, 
These  thy  conquering  aria  diil  save  ! 
Build  for  thee  triumphal  bowers  ; 
Strew,  ye  fair,  his  way  with  flowers; 
Strew  your  hero's  way  with  flowers." 

As  they  sung  the  last  lines,  they  strewed  their 
flowers  on  the  road  before  their  beloved  cVijvtrer. 
His  situation  on  this  O.A a^i^n.  ^o.nrast'.cl  with  what 
he  had  in  December,  1776,  felt  on 'the  same  spot, 
when  the  alTrirs  of  America  were  at  the  lowest  ebb 
of  depression,  filled  him  with  sensations  that  can- 
not be, described.  He  was  rowed  across  the  bay 
from  Elizabethtown  to  New  York,  in  an  elegant 
barge,  by  thirteen  pilots.  All  the  vessels  in  the 
harbour  hoisted  their  flags.  Stairs  were  erected 
and  decorated  for  his  reception.  On  his  landing, 
universal  joy  diffused  itself  through  every  order  of 
the  people,  and  he  was  received  and  congratulated 
by  the  Governor  of  the  state,  and  officers  of  the 
corporation*  He  was  conducted  from  the  landing 
pi -.;•.:•  to  the  house  which  had  been  fitted  up  for  his 
n  .  rpi  OP,  and  was  followed  by  an  elegant  proces- 
sion of  militia  in  their  uniforms,  and  by  a  great 


THE  LIFE  OF 

number  of  citizens.     In  the  evening  the  houses  of 
the  inhabitants  were  brilliantly  illuminated* 

A  clay  was  fixed  soon  afVr  his  arrival,  for  his 
taking  the  oath  of  office,  which  was  in  the  follow- 
ing words.  "  I  do  solemnly  swear,  that  I  will 
fa .thfuiiy  execute  the  office  of  President  of  the 
United  States  ;  and  will  to  the  best  of  my  ability 
preserve,  protect,  and  defend  the  constitution  of 
the  United  States. "  On  this  occasion  he  was  whol- 
ly clothed  in  American  manufactures.  In  the 
morning  of  the  day  appointed  for  this  purpose,  the 
clerg}  of  different  denominations  assembled  their 
Congregations  in  their  respective  places  of  wor- 
ship, and  offered  up  public  prayers  for  the  presi- 
dent and  people  of  the  United  States.  About  noon 
a  procession,  followed  by  a  multitude  of  citizens, 
moved  i'rom  the  president's  house  to  Federal  Hall. 
r'VVhv! •  they  came  within  a  short  distance  from  the 
Hull,  the  fr~/6p^  formed  .  g f-line  on  both  sides  of  the 
\vay,  through  which  Mr.  Washington,  acco'mpa-. 
ped  by  the  vice  president,  Mr.  Johu  Adams,  pass- 
ed into  the  senate  chamber.  Immediately  after, 
accompanied  by  both  houses,  he  went,  into  the  gal- 
lery fronting  Broacktreet,  and  before  them  and  an 
immense  concourse  of  citizens,  took  the  oath  pre- 
scribed by  the  constitution,  which  was  adminis- 
tered by*R.  R.  Livingston,  the  chancellor  of  the 
state  of  New  York.  'An  awful  silence  prevailed 
among  the  ^spectators  during  this  part  of  the-  cere- 
nionv.  It  was  a  minute  of  the  most  sublime  po- 
litical joy.  The  chancellor  then  proclaimed  him 
president  of  the  United  States.  This  was  answer- 
ed by  the  discharge  of  thirteen  guns  ;  i  nd  by  the 
io'.is  of  shouts  from  near  ten  thousand  grateiiil 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  239 

and  affectionate  hearts.  The  president  bowed 
most  respectfully  to  the  people,  and  the  air  resound- 
ed again  with  their  acclamations.  He  then  retir- 
ed to  the  Senate  Chamber,  where  he  made  thefok 
lowing  speech  to  both  houses. 

"  FcUoiodtizens  of  the  Senate 

and  of  the 

House  of  Representatives, 

"  Among  the   vicissitudes  incident  to  life,  no 
event  could  have  filled  me  with  greater  anxieties 
than  that  of  which  the  notification  was  transmitted 
*  by  your  order,  and  received  on  the  14th.  day  of 
the  present  month.     On  the  one  hand,  I  was  sum- 
moned  by  my  country,   whose  voice  I  can  never 
bear  but  with  veneration  and  love,  from  a  retreat 
which  I  had  chos'en  with  the  fondest  predilection, 
and,  in   my  flattering   hopes,    with  an  immutable 
decision,  as  the  asylum  of  my  declining  years  ;  a 
retreat  which  was  rendered  every  clay  roore  neces- 
sary as  well  as  more  dear  to  me,  by  the  addition 
of  habit  to  inclination,  and  of  frequent  interruptions 
in  my  health  to  the  gradual  waste  committed  OH  it 
by  furs* -.     On  the  other  hand,  the  magnitude  and 
".difficulty  of  the  trust  to  which  the  voice   of  my 
country   called   me,  being  sufficient  to  awaken  in 
;Jthe  wisest  and  most  experienced  of  her  citizens  a 
.distrustful   scrutiny  into  his  qualifications,  could 
..not  but   overwhelm  with  despondence  one  who, 
inheriting  inferior  endowments   from  nature,  and 
unpractised  in  the  duties  of  civil  administration, 
ought  to  be  peculiarly  conscious  of  his  own  defi- 
ciencies.    In  this  conflict  of  emotions,  all  I  dare 
aver  is,  that  it  has  been  my  faithful  study  to  coL 


240 


THE  LIFE  OF 


lect  my  duty  from  a  just  appreciation  of  every  cir- 
cumstance by  which  it  might  be  effected.  All  I 
dare  hope  is,  that,  if  in  accepting  this  task,  I  have 
been  too  much  swayed  by  a  grateful  remembrance 
of  former  instances,  or  by  an  affectionate  sensibil- 
ity to  this  transcendent  proof  of  the  confidence  of 
my  feilou  citizens  ;  and  have  thence  too  little  con- 
sulted my  incapacity,  as  well  as  disinclination  for 
the  weighty  and  untried  cares  before  me  ;  my 
Eumm  will  be  palliated  bv  the  motives  which  mis- 
led me,  and  its  consequences  be  judged  by  my 
country  with  some  share  oi  the  partiality  in  which 
they  originated. 

"  Such  being  the  impressions  under  which  I 
have,  in  obedience  to  the  public  summons,  repair- 
ed  to  the  present  station  ;  it  will  be  peculiarly  im- 
proper to  omit,  in  this  first  official  act,  my  fervent 
supplications  to  that  Almighty  Being  who  rules 
over  the  universe  ;  who  presides  in  the  councils 
of  nations  ;  and  whose  providential  aids  caii  sup- 
ply every  human  defect,  that  his  benediction  may 
consecrate  to  the  liberties  and  happiness  ot  the  peo- 
ple  of  the  United  States,  a  government  instituted 
by  themselves  for  these  essential  purposes  ;  a;:d 
may  enable  every  instrument  employed  in  its  ad- 
inimstratkm,  to  execute  with  success,  the  func- 
tions allotted  to  his  charge.  In  tendering  this  hom- 
age to  the  great  Author  of  even  public  and  pri- 
vate good,  1  assure  myself  tha:  it  expresses  vour 
sentiments  not  less  than  my  own  ;  nor  those  of  my 
fellovvcitizens  at  large,  less  than  either.  No  peo- 
ple can  be  bound  to  acknowledge  and  adore  die 
invisible  hand  which  condu-  is  the  affairs  of  .-rcn, 
more  than  the  people  of  the  United  States.  Every 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  241 

step  by  which  they  have  advanced  to  the  character 
of  an  independent  nation  seems  to  have  been  dis- 
tinguished by  some  token  of  providential  agency ; 
and  in  the  important  revolution  just  accomplished 
in  the  system  of  their  united  government,  the  tran- 
quil deliberations  and  voluntary  consent  of  so  ma- 
ny distinct  communities,  from*  which  the  event  has 
resulted,  cannot  be  compared  with  the  means  by 
which  most  governments  have  been  established, 
without  some  return  of  pious  gratitude  along  with 
an  humble  anticipation  of"  the  .future  blessings 
which  the  past  seem  to  presage.  These  reflec- 
tions, arising  out  of  the  present  crisis,  have  forced 
themselves  too  strongly  on  my  mind  to  be  sup- 
pressed. You  will  join  with  me,  I  trust,  in  think- 
ing that  there  are  none,  under  the  influence  of 
which  the  proceedings  of  a  new  and  free  govern- 
ment can  more  auspiciously  commence. 

"  By  the  article  establishing  the  executive  de- 
partment, it  is  made  the  duty  of  the  president  '  to 
recommend  to  your  consideration,  such  measures 
as  he  shall  judge  necessary  and  expedient.'  The 
circumstances  under  which  I  now  meet  you  will 
acquit  me  from  entering  into  that  subject*,  farther 
than  to  refer  to  the  great  constitutional  charter  un- 
der which  you  are  assembled,  and  which,  in  defin- 
ing your  powers,  designates  the  objects  to  which 
your  attention  is  to  be  given.  It  will  be  more 
consistent  with  those  circumstances,  and  far  more 
congenial  with  the  feelings  which  actuate  me,  to 
substitute  in  place  of  a  recommendation  of  partic- 
ular measures,  the  tribute  that  is  due  to  the  talents, 
the  rectitude,  and  the  patriotism,  which  adorn  the 
22 


242  THE  LIFE  OF 

characters  selected  to  devise  and  adopt  them.  In 
these  honourable  qualifications,  i  behold  the  sur- 
est pledges  that,  as  on  one  side,  no  local  prejudi- 
ces or  attachments,  no  separate  views  nor  party 
animosities,  will  misdirect  the  comprehensive  and 
equal  eye  which  ought  to  watch  over  this  great  as- 
semblage of  communities  and  interests  ;  so,  on 
another,  that  the  foundations  of  our  national  poli- 
cy will  be  laid  in  the  pure  and  immutable  princi- 
ples of  private  morality  ;  and  the  pre-eminence  of 
free  government '  be  exemplified  by  all  the  attri- 
butes which  can  win  the  affections  of  its  citizens, 
and  command  the  respect  of  the  world.  I  dwell 
on  this  prospect  with  every  satisfaction  which  an 
ardent  love  for  my  country  can  inspire  ;  since  there 
is  no  truth  more  thoroughly  established  than  that 
there  exists,  in  the  economy  and  course  of  nature, 
an  indissoluble  union  between  virtue  and  happi- 
ness ;  between  duty  and  advantage ;  between  the 
genuine  maxims  of  an  honest  and  magnanimous 
policy,  and  the  solid  rewards  of  public  prosperity 
and  felicity  ;  since  we  ought  to  be  no  less  per- 
suaded that  the  propitious  smiles  of  heaven  can 
never  be  expected  on  a  nation  that  disregards  the 
eternal  rules  of  order  and  right,  which  heaven  it- 
self has  ordained  ;  and  since  the  preservation  of 
the  sacred  fire  of  liberty, flpnd  the  destiny  of  the 
republican  model  of  government,  are  justly  con- 
sidered as  DEEPLY,  perhaps  as  FINALLY,  staked  on 
the  experiment  intrusted  to  the  hands  of  the  Amer- 
ican pt'ople. 

"  Beside  the  ordinary  objects  submitted  to  your 
care,  it  will  remain  with  your  judgment  to  decide, 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  243 

how  far  an  exercise  of  the  occasional  power  dele- 
gated by  the  fifth  article  of  the  constitution  is  ren- 
dered expedient,  at  the  present  juncture,  by  the 
nature  of  objections  which  have  been  uiged  against 
the  system,  or  by  the  degree  of  inquietude  which 
has  given  birth  to  them.  Instead  of  undertaking 
particular  recommendations  on  this  subject,  in 
which  I  coujd  be  guided  by  no  lights  derived 
from  official  opportunities,  I  shall  again  give  way 
to  my  entire  confidence  in  your  discernment  and 
pursuit  of  the  public  good  ;  for  I  assure  myself, 
that  whilst  you  carefully  avoid  every  alteration 
which  might  endanger  the  benefits  of  a  united  and 
effective  government,  or  which  ought  to  await  the 
future  lessons  of  experience  ;  a  reverence  for  the 
characteristic  rights  of  freemen,  and  a  regard  for 
the  public  harmony,  will  sufficiently  influence  your 
deliberations  on  the  question  how  far  the  former 
can  be  more  impregnably  fortified,  or  the  latter  be 
safely  and  advantageously  promoted. 

"  To  the  preceding  observations  I  have  one  to 
add,  which  will  be  most  properly  addressed  to  the 
house  of  representatives.  It  concerns  myself,  and 
will  therefore  be  as  brief  as  possible.  When  I 
was  first  honoured  with  a  call  into  the  service  of 
my  country,  then  on  the  eve  of  an  arduous  strug- 
gle for  its  liberties,  the  light  in  which  I  contem- 
plated my  duty  required  that  I  should  renounce 
every  pecuniary  compensation.  From  this  reso- 
lution I  have  in  no  instance  departed.  And  being 
still  under  the  impressions  which  produced  it,  I 
must  decline,  as  inapplicable  to  myself,  ally  share 
in  the  personal  emoluments  which  may  be  indis- 


244 


LIFE  OF 


pensably  included  in  a  permanent  provision  for  the 
executive  department ;  and  must  accordingly  pray 
that  the  pecuniary  estimates  for  the  station  in  which 
I  jam  placed,  may,  during  my  continuance  in  it, 
be  limited  to  such  actual  expenditures  as  the  pub- 
lic good  may  be  thought  to  require. 

"  Having  thus  imparted  to  you  my  sentiments, 
as  they  have  been  awakened  by  the  occasion  which 
brings  us  together,  I  shall  take  my  present  leave ; 
but  not  without  resorting  once  more  to  the  be- 
nign Parent  of  the  human  race,  in  humble  suppli- 
cation, that  since  he  has  been  pleased  to  favour 
the  American  people  with  opportunities  for  delib- 
erating in  perfect  tranquillity,  and  dispositions  for 
deciding  with  unparalleled  unanimity  on  a  form  of 
government  for  the  security  of  their  union,  and 
the  advancement  of  their  happiness  ;  so  his  divine 
blessing  may  be  equally  conspicuous  in  the  enlarg- 
ed views,  the  temperate  consultations,  and  the  wise 
measures  on  which  the  success  of  this  government 
must  depend." 

In  their  answer  to  this  speech,  the  senate  say  ; 
"  The  unanimous  suffrage  of  the  elective  body  in 
your  favour,  is  peculiarly  expressive  of  the  grati- 
tude, confidence,  and  affection  of  the  citizens  of 
America,  and  is  the  highest  testimonial  at  once  of 
your  merit,  and  their  esteem.  We  are  sensible, 
sir,  that  nothing  but  the  voice  of  your  fellowciti- 
zens  could  have  called  you  from  a  retreat,  chosen 
with  the  fondest  predilection,  endeared  by  habit, 
and  consecrated  to  the  repose  of  declining  years. 
We  rejoice,  and  with  us  all  America,  that,  in  obe- 
dience to  the  call  of  our  common  country,  you 


WASHINGTON. 


245 


have  returned  once  more  to  public  life.  In  you 
all  parties  confide  ;  in  you  all  interests  unite  ;  and 
we  have  no  doubt  that  your  past  services,  great  as 
they  have  been,  will  be  equalled  by  your  future 
exertions  ;  ai\d  that  your  prudence  and  sagacity 
as  a  statesman,  will  tend  to  avert  the  dangers  to 
which  we  were  exposed,  to  give  stability  to  the 
present  government,  and  dignity  and  splendour 
to  that  country,  which  your  skill  and  valour  as  a 
soldier,  so  eminently  contributed  to  raise  to  inde- 
pendence and  to  empire." 

The  affection  for  the  person  and  character  of 
the  president  with  which  the  answer  of  the  house 
of  representatives  glowed,  promised  that  between 
this  branch  of  the  legislature  also  and  the  execu- 
tive, the  most  harmonious  co-opefation  in  the  pub- 
lic service  might  be  expected. 

"  The  representatives  of  the  people  of  the  Unit- 
ed States,"  says  this  address,  "  present  their  con- 
gratulations on  the  event  by  which  your  fellovvcit- 
izens  have  attested  the  pre-eminence  of  your  mer- 
it. You  have  long  held  the  first  place  in  their  es- 
teem. You  have  often  received  tokens  of  their 
affection.  You  now  possess  the  only  proof  that 
remained  of  their  gratitude  for  your  services,  of 
their  reverence  for  your  wisdom,  and  of  their  con- 
fidence in  your  virtues.  You  enjoy  the  highest, 
because  the  truest  honour,  of  being  the  first  mag- 
istrate, by  the  unanimous  choice  of  the  freest  peo- 
ple on  the  face  of  the  earth. 

"  We  well  know  the  anxieties  with  which  you 
must  have  obeyed  the  summons  from  the  repose- 
leserved  for  your  declining  years,  into  public 
22* 


246  THE  LIFK  Of 

scenes  of  which  you  had  taken  your  leave  for  ev- 
er. But  obedience  was  due  to  the  occasion.  It 
is  already  applauded  by  the  universal  joy  which 
welcomes  you  to  your  station.  And  we  cannot 
doubt  that  it  will  be  rewarded  with  all  the  satisfac- 
tion with  which  an  ardent  love  for  your  fellowcit- 
izens  must  review  successful  efforts  to  promote 
their  happiness. 

"  This  anticipation  is  not  justified  merely  by  the 
past  experience  of  your  signal  services.  It  is  par- 
ticularly suggested  by  the  pious  impressions  under 
which  you  commence  your  administration  ;  and 
the  enlightened  maxims  by  which  you  mean  to 
conduct  it.  We  feel  with  you  the  strongest  obli- 
gations to  adore  the  invisible  hand  which  has  led 
the  American  people  through  so  many  difficulties ; 
to  cherish  a  conscious  responsibility  for  the  desti- 
ny of  republican  liberty  ;  and  to  seek  the  only  sure 
means  of  preserving  and  recommending  the  prec- 
ious deposit  in  a  system  of  legislation  founded  on 
the  principles  of  an  honest  policy,  and  directed  by 
the  spirit  of  a  diffusive  patriotism. 

-"  In  forming  the  pecuniary  provisions  for  tjie 
executive  department,  we  shall  not  lose  sight  of  a 
wish  resulting  from  motives  which  give  it  a  pecu- 
liar claim  to  our  regard.  Your  resolution,  in  a 
moment  critical  to  the  liberties  of  your  country, 
to  renounce  all  personal  emolument,  was  among 
the  many  presages  of  your  patriotic  services,  which 
have  been  amply  fulfilled  ;  and  your  scrupulous 
adherence  now  to  the  law  then  imposed  on  your- 
self, cannot  fail  to  demonstrate  the  purity,  whilst 
it  increases  the  lustre  of  a  character  which  has  so 
mnnv  titles  to  admiration. 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON-.  247 

"  Such  are  the  sentitnenifcnth  which(Kre  have 
thought  fit  to  address  you^They  flow  from  our 
own  hearts,  and  we  verily  believe  that  among  the 
millions  we  represent,  there  is  not  a  virtuous  citi- 
zen whose  heart  will  disown  them. 

"  All  that  remains  is,  that  we  join  in  your  fer- 
vent supplications  for  the  blessing  of  Heaven  on 
our  country  ;  and  that  we  add  our  own  for  the 
choicest  of  these  blessings  on  the  most  beloved  of 
her  citizens." 

The  president  and  Congress  then  attended  on 
divine  service. 

In  the  evening  a  very  ingenious  and  splendid 
show  of  fireworks  was  exhibited.  Betwixt  the 
fort  and  the  Bowling  Green  stood  conspicuous,  a 
superb  and  brilliant  transparent  painting,  in  the 
centre  of  which  was  fne  portrait  of  the  president, 
represented  under  the  emblem  of  Fortitude  ;  on 
his  right  hand  was  Justice,  representing  the  Sen- 
ate of  the  United  States,  arid  on  his  left  Wisdom, 
representing  the  House  of  Representatives. 

When  Washington  commenced  his  administra- 
tion, the  condition  of  the  United  States  was  so 
embarrassed  as  to  excite  many  fears  for  the  suc- 
cess of  the  new  government.  The  treasury  was 
empty.  Large  debts  were  due  both  by  the  old 
Congress  and  individuals  to  foreigners,  and  also 
from  the  United  States  to  its  own  citizens,  and 
from  citizens  to  citizens.  Every  effort  made  by 
the  former  government  to  pay,  or  even  to  fund  its 
debts,  had  failed,  from  the  imbecility  of  the  feder- 
al system.  Great  discontents  prevailed  in  the 
United  States,  for  the  party  opposed  to  the  new 
constitution  was  strong  and  numerous.  Several 


248  THE  LIFE  OF 

of  these^rere  electe^jto  seats  in  the  new  Congress. 
Some  were  clamoroiffibr  a  new  convention,  and 
the  most  moderate  for  amendments  of  what  had 
been  ratified.  Two  states,  North  Carolina  and 
Rhode  Island,  by  refusing  an  acceptance  of  the 
constitution,  were  without  the  pale  of  its  opera- 
tions. 

Animosities  prevailed  to  a  great  degree  between 
the  United  States  and  Great  Britain.  Each  charg- 
ed the  other  with  a  breach  of  their  hue  treaty. 
In  support  of  these  charges,  one  party  urged  the 
severities  practised  toward  the  loyalists,  and  that 
some  of  the  states  had  interposed  legal  impedi-. 
ments  to  the  recovery  of  debts  due  to  British  sub- 
jects. The  other  recriminated  by  alleging,  that 
the  British,  on  their  departure  from  the  United 
States,  had  carried  off  \vithlhem  several  thousands 
of  negroes  belonging  to  the  Americans ;  and  con- 
tinued to  possess  sundry  posts  within  the  acknowl- 
edged limits  of  the  United  States  ;  and  that  from 
these  posts  they  encouraged  and  instigated  the 
neighbouring  Indians  to  make  war  on  their  north- 
Western  frontier  settlements.  Spain,  fro rn  the  cir- 
cumstance of  their  owning  the  land  on  each  side 
of  the  mouth  of  the  Missisippi,  claimed  the  exclu- 
sive navigation  of  that  river;  while  the  western 
inhabitants  of  the  United  States  looked  to  their 
country  for  a  vindication  of  their  common  right 
to  the  use  of  this  highway  of  nature.  The  boun- 
daries of  the  United  States  toward  the  territories 
of  Spain  in  the  south,  and  toward  those  of  Britain 
in  liie  northeast,  were  both  unsettled  and  in  dis- 
pute. The  whole  regular  effective  force  of  the?; 
United  States,  was  less  than  six  hundred  men. 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  249 

Their  trade  was  restricted  much  more  than  when 
they  formed  a  part  of  the  British  empire.  They 
had  neither  money  to  purchase,  nor  a  naval  force 
to  compel  the  friendship  of  the  Barbary  powers  ; 
and  were  therefore  exposed  to  capture  whenever 
they  ventured  to  trade  in  the  Mediterranean,  the 
coasts  of  which  offered  the  best  markets  for  some 
of  their  valuable  commodities. 

The  military  strength  of  the  northern  Indians 
who  inhabited  the  country  between  the  Lakes,  the 
Missisippi,  and  the  Ohio,  was  computed  at  five 
thousand  men,  and  of  these  fifteen  hundred  were 
at  open  war  with  the*  United  States.  The  Creeks, 
in  the  southwest,  who  could  bring  six  thousand 
fighting  men  into  the  field,  were  at  war  with  Geor- 
gia. 

These  were  but  a  part  of  the  embarrassments 
under  which  the  United  States  laboured  when  Gen, 
Washington  was  called  to  the  helm.  The  redress 
of- most  of  them  required  legislative  interference, 
as  well  as  executive  aid.  To  point  out  the  partic- 
ular agency  of  the  president  in  removing  these  em- 
barrassments, and  generally  meliorating  the  condi- 
tion of  the  United  States,  is  peculiarly  the  prov- 
ince of  the  biographer  of  Washington. 

Congress  having,  organized  the  great  depart- 
ments of  government,  it  became  the  duty  of  the 
president  to  designate  proper  persons  to  fill  them. 
In  discharging  this  delicate  and  'difficult  trust, 
Washington  kept  himself  free  from  every  engage- 
ment, and  uniformly  declined  giving  decisive  an- 
swers to  applicants,  having  previously  resolved  to 
nominate  persons  to  offices  with  a  sole  view  to  the 
public  good,  and  to  bring  forward  those  who,  up- 


250  THE  LIKE  OF 

on  every  consideration,  and  from  the  best  informa- 
tion he  could  obtain,  were  in  his  judgment  most 
likely  to  answer  the  great  end. 

Under  these  impressions  he  placed  Col.  Hamil- 
ton at  the  head  of  the  Treasury  Department. 

At  the  head  of  the  Department  of  Foreign  Af- 
fairs, he  placed  Mr.  Jefferson. 

General  Knox  was  continued  in  the  Depart- 
ment of  War,  which  he  had  filled  under  the  old 
Congress. 

The  office  of  Attorney  General  was  assigned  to 
Mr.  Edmund  Randolph. 

These  composed  the  cabinet  council  of  the  first 
president.  .  • 

The   judicial   department   was   filled  as   fol- 
lows ; 

John  Jay,  of  New  York,  Chief  Justice. 

John  Rutledge,  of  South  Carolina, 

James  Wilson,  of  Pennsylvania, 

William  Gushing,  of  Massachusetts, 

Robert  Harrison,  of  Maryland,  and 

John  Blair,  of  Virginia,  Associate  Judges. 

The  officers  who  had  been  appointed  by,  the  in- 
dividual states  to  manage  the  revenue,  which,  un- 
der the  old  system,  was  paid  into  the  state  treasu- 
ry, were  reappointed  to  corresponding  offices  un- 
der the  new  constitution,  by  which  the  revenue 
had  been  transferred  from  the  local  to  the  general 
treasury  of  the  union. 

It  was  among  the  first  cares  of  Washington  to 
make  peace  with  the  Indians.  Gen.  Lincoln,  Mr. 
Griffin,  and  Col.  Humphreys,  very  soon  after  the 
inauguration  of  the  president,  were  deputed  by 
him  to  treat  with  the  Creek  Indians.  These  met 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  251 


With  M'Giilvray,  and  other  chiefs  of  the  nation, 
with  about  two  thousand  men,  at  the  Rock  Land- 
ing, on  the  frontiers  of  Georgia.  The  negotiations 
were  soon  broken  off  by  M'Gillvray,  whose  per- 
sonal interests  and  connexion  with  Spain  were  sup- 
posed* to  have  been  the  real  cause  of  their  abrupt 
and  unsuccessful  termination.  The  next  year 
brought  round  an  accomplishment  of  the  presi- 
dent's wishes,  which  had  failed  in  the  first  attempt. 
Policy  and  interest  concurred  iu  recommending 
every  prudent  measure  for  detaching  the  Creek 
Indians  from  all  connexion  with  the  Spaniards, 
and  cementing  their  friendship  with  the  United 
States.  Negotiations  carried  on  with  them  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  Spanish  settlements,  promised  less 
than  negotiations  conducted  at  the  seat  of  govern- 
ment. To  itxkice  a  disposition  favourable  to  this 
change  of  place,  the  president  sent  Col.  Willet,  a 
gallant  and  intelligent  officer  of  the  late  army, 
into  the  Creek  country,  apparently  on  private  bu- 
siness, but  with  a  letter  of  introduction  to  M'Gill- 
vray,  arid  with  instructions  to  take  occasional  op- 
portunities to  point  out  the  distresses  which  a  war 
with  the  United  States  would  bring  on  the  Creek 
nation,  and  the  indiscretion  of  their  breaking  off 
the  negotiation  at  the-  Rock  Landing  ;  and  to  ex- 
hort him  to  repair  with  the  chiefs  of  his  nation  to 
New  York,  in  order  to  effect  a  solid  and  lasting 
peace.  Wiliet  performed  these  duties  with  so 
much  dexterity,  that  M'Gilivray,  with  the  chiefs 
of  his  nation,  were  induced  to  come  to  New  York, 
where  fresh  negotiations  commenced,  which,  on 
the  7ih.  of  August,  1790,  terminated  in  the  estab- 
lishment of  peace. 


252  THE  LIFE  OF 

The  pacific  overtures  made  by  Washington 
to  the  Indians  of  the  Wabash  and  the  Miamis, 
failed  of  success.  Long  experience  had  taught 
the  president,  that  on  the  failure  of  negotiations 
with  Indians,  policy,  economy,  and  even  human- 
ity, required  the  employment  of  a  sufficient  force 
to  carry  offensive  war  into  their  country,  and  lay 
waste  their  settlements.  The  accomplishment  of 
this  was  no  easy  matter.  The  Indian  nations 
were  numerous,  accustomed  to  war,  and  not  with- 
out discipline.  They  were  said  to  be  furnish- 
ed with  arms  and  ammunition  from  the  British 
posts  held  within  the  United  States,  in  violation 
of  the  treaty  of  peace.  Generals  Harmar  and  Sin- 
clair were  successively  defeated  by  the  Indians  ; 
and  four  or  five  years  elapsed  before  they  were 
subdued.  This  was  accomplished  by  Gen. 
Wayne,  in  1794.  Soon  after  that  event,  a  peace 
was  concluded,  under  his  auspices,  between  these 
Indians  and  the  United  States.  In  the  progress 
of  this  last  Indian  war,  repeated  overtures  oi  peace 
were  made  to  the  North  Western  Indians,  but 
rejected.  About  the  same  period  a  new,  system 
was  commenced  for  turning  them  off  from  hunt- 
ing to  the  employments  of  civilized  life,  by  fur- 
nishing them  with  implements  and  instructions  for 
agriculture  and  manufactures. 

In  this  manner,  during  the  Presidency  of  George 
Washington,  peace  was  restored  to  the  frontier 
settlements  both  in  the  north  and  southwest, 
which  has  continued  ever  since,  and  it  is  likely  to 
do  so,  while,  at  the  same  time,  the  prospect  of  me- 
[iorating  the  condition  *of  the  savages  is  daily 
brightening  ;  for  the  system  first  began  by  Wash- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 


253 


ington  with  the  view  of  civilizing  these  fierce  sons 
of  nature,  have  been  ever  since  steadily  pursued 
,by  all  his  •  successors.  Indian  wars  are  now  only 
known  from  the  records  or  recollection  of  past 
events  ;  and  it  is  probable  that  the  day  is  not  far 
distant  when  the  United  States  will  receive  a  con- 
siderable  accession  of  citizens  from  the  civilized 
red  men  of  the  forest. 


'23 


! 


254  THE  LIFE  OF 


CHAPTER  XII. 


Gen.  Washington  attends  to  the  foreign  relations  of  the  United  States. 
Negotiates  with  Spain  ....Difficulties  in  the  way.;. ..The  free  naviga- 
tion of  the  Missisippi  is  granted  by  a  treaty  made  -with  Major  Pinck- 

ney Negotiations   with    Britain Difficulties    in    the    way...  .War 

probable Mr.  Jay's  mission  ....His  treaty  with  Great  Britain  ...  .Op- 
position thereto.  ...Is  ratified.  ...Washington  refuses  papers  to  House 
bf  Representatives....  British  posts  in  United  States  evacuated.  ..Nego- 
tiations with  France..  ..Genet's  arrival.  ...Assumes  illegal  powers,  ia 
violation  of  the  neutrality  of  the  United  States..  ..Is  flattered  by  the 

people,  but  opposed  by  the  executive,. ...Is   recalled Gen.  Pinckney 

sent  as  public  minister  to  adjust  disputes  with  France Is  not  receiv- 
ed  Washington  declines  a  re-election,  and  addresses  the  people. 

His  last  address  to' the  national  legislature.  .  Recommends  a  navy,  a 
military  academy,  and  other  public  institutions. 


EVFATTS  which  had  taken  place  before  the  inaugu- 
ration of  Washington,  embarrassed  his  negotia- 
tions for  the  adjustment  of  the  political  relations 
between  the  United  States  and  Spain. 

In  the  year  1 779,  Mr.  Jay  had  been  appointed 
by  the  old  Congress  to  make  a  treaty  with  his 
Catholic  Majesty  ;  but  his  best  endeavours  for 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 


255' 


more  than  two  years  were  ineffectual*     In  a  fit  of 

despondence,  while  the  revolutionary  war  was 
pressing,  he  had  been  authorized  to  agree  "  to  re- 
linquish, and  in  future  forbear  to  use  the  navi- 
gation of  the  river  Missisippi,  from  the  point 
where  it  leaves  the  United  States,  down  to  the 
ocean."  After  the  war  was  ended,  a  majority  of 
Congress  had  agreed  to  barter  aviary  for  twenty 
five  years,  their  claim  to  this  navigation.  A  long 
and  intricate  negotiation  between  Mr.  Gardoqni, 
the  minister  of  his  Catholic  Majesty,  and  the  Sec- 
retary of  Foreign  Affairs,  had  taken  place  at  New 
York,  in  the  interval  between  the  establishment  of 
peace  and  of  the  new  constitution  of  the  United 
States ;  but  was  rendered  abortive  from  the  inflex- 
ible adherence  of  Mr.  Gardoqui  to  the  exclusion 
of  the  citizens  of  the  United  States  from  navigat- 
ing the  Missisippi  below  their  southern  boundary^ 
This  unyielding  disposition  of  Spain,  the  inability 
of  the  United  States  to  assert  their  claims  to  the 
navigation  of  this  river,  and  especially  the  facility 
which  the  old  Congress  had  shown  to  recede  from 
it  for  a  term  of  years,  had  soured  the  minds  of  the 
western  settlers.  Their  impatience  transported 
them  so  far  beyond  the  bounds  of  policy,  that 
they  sometimes  dropped  hints  of  separating  from 
the  Atlantic  States,  and  attaching  themselves  to 
the  Spaniards.  In  this  critical  state  of  things,  the 
president  found  abundant  exercise  for  all  his  pru- 
dence. The  western  inhabitants  were,  in  fact, 
thwarting  his  views  in  their  favour,  and  encour- 
aging Spain  to  persist  in  refusing  that  free  navi- 
gation, which  was  so  ardently  desired  both  by  the 


.256 


THE  LIFE  OF 


president  and  the  people.  The  adherence  of 
Spain  to  the  exclusive  use  of  the  lower  Missisip- 
pi,  and  the  impolitic  'discontents  of  the  western 
inhabitants,  were  not  the  only  embarrassments  of 
Washington,  in  negotiating  with  the  court  of  Ma- 
drid. 

In  1793,  four  French  men  left  Philadelphia,  em- 
powered by  Mr.  Genet,  the  minister  of  the  French 
Republic,  to  prepare  an  expedition  in  Kentucky 
against  New  Orleans.  Spain,  then  at  war  with 
France,  was  at  peace  with  the  United  States. 
Washington  was  officially  bound  to  interpose  his 
authority  to  prevent  the* raising  of  an  armed  force 
from  among  his  fellowcitizens  to  commit  hostili- 
ties on  a  peaceable  neighbouring  power.  Orders 
were  accordingly  given  to  the  civil  authority  in 
Kentucky,  to  use  all  legal  means  to  prevent  this 
expedition  ;  but  the  execution  of  these  orders 
\vas  so  languid,  that  it  became  necessary  to  call  in 
the  aid  of  the  regular  army.  Gen.  Wayne  was 
ordered  to  establish  a  military  pest  at  Fort  Mas- 
sac  on  the  Orlio,  for  the  purpose  of  forcibly  stop- 
ping any  body  of  armed  men,  wha,  in  opposition 
to  remonstrances,  should  persist  in  going  down 
that  river. 

Many  of  the  high  spirited  Kent uckians  were  so 
exasperated  against  the  Spaniards,  as  to  be  very 
willing  to  second  the  views  of  the  French  minis- 
ter, and  under  his  auspices  to  attack  New  Orleans. 
The  navigation  of  the  Missisippi  was  so  ne.cessa- 
ry  for  conveying  to  proper  markets  the  surplus- 
age of  their  luxuriant  soil,  that  to  gain  this  privi- 
lege-, others  were  willing  to  receive  it  tro';<  the 
hands  of  the  Spaniards  at  the  price  ot  renouncing 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  257 

all  political  connexion  with  the  United  States. 
While  these  opposite  modes  of  seeking  a  remedy 
for  the  same  evil  were  pursuing  by  persons  of  dif- 
ferent temperaments,  a  remonstrance  from  the  in- 
habitants of  Kentucky  was  presented  to  Vrashing- 
ton  and  Congress.  This  demanded  the  use  of  the 
Missisippi  as  a  natural  right,  and  at  the  same  time 
charged  the  government  with  being  under  the  in- 
fluence of  a  local  policy,  which  hud  prevented  all 
serious  efforts  for  the  acquisition  of  a  right  which 
was  essential  to  the  prosperity  of  the  western  peo- 
ple. It  spoke  the  language  of  an  injured  people, 
irritated  by  the  maladministration  of  their  public 
servants  ;  and  hinted  the  probability  of  a  dismem- 
berment of  the  union,  if  their  natural  rights  were 
not  vindicated  by  government.  To  appease  these 
discontents  y  to  restrain  the  French  from  making 
war  on  the  Spaniards  with  a  force  raised  and  em- 
bodied in  the  United  States  ;  and  at  the  same 
time,  by  fair  negotiation,  to  obtain  the  free  use  of 
the  Missisippi  from  the  court  of  Madrid,  was  the 
task  assigned  to  Washington.  Difficult  and  deli- 
cate as  it  was,  the  whole  was  accomplished.  An- 
terior to  the  receipt  of  the  Kentucky  remonstrance, 
the  president,  well  knowing  the  discontents  of  the 
interior  people,  and  that  the  publication  of  them 
\\  uuid  obstruct  his  views,  had  directed  the  Secre- 
tary of  State  to  give  assurances  to  the  Governor 
of  Kentucky,  that  every  exertion  was  making  to 
obtain  for  the  western  people  the  free  navigation 
they  so  much  desired.  The  strong  arm.  of  gov- 
ernment was  successfully  exerted  to  frustrate  the 
expedition  projected  by  the  French  minister 
against  New  Orleans ;  and,  while  these  mattery 


253  THE  LIFE  OS* 

were  pending,  Major  Thomas  Pinckney  was  ap- 
pointed envoy  extraordinary  to  the  court  of  Ma- 
drid ;  and  in  die  year  1795.  he  concluded  a  treaty 
with  his  Catholic  Majesty,  in  which  the  claims  of 
the  United  States  on  the  subject  of  boundary ,  and 
the  navigation  of  the  Missisippi,  were  fully  con- 
ceded. By  these  events,  the  discontents  of  the 
western  people  were  clone  away.  Tranquillity 
was  restored  between  the  Atlantic  and  western 
states  ;  and  all  points  in  controversy  between  the 
United  States  and  Spain  were  satisfactorily  ad- 
justed. The  most  important  of  these,  the  free 
navigation  of  the  Missisippi,  had  been  the  subject 
of  discussion  in  the  hands  of  different  negotiators, 
for  almost  the  whole  of  the  immediately  preceding 
fifteen  years. 

Great  were  the  difficulties  Wellington  had  to 
encounter  in  amicably  settling  all  matters  with 
Spain  ;  but  much  greater  stood  in  the  way  of  a. 
peaceable  adjustment  of  various  grounds  of  con- 
troversy between  the  United  States  and  Great 
Britain. 

Each  of  these  two  nations  charged  the  other 
with  a  breach  of  the  treaty  of  peace,  in  1783,  and 
each  supported  the  charge  against  the  other,  with 
more  solid  arguments  than  either  alleged  in  their 
own  defence. 

The  peace  terminated  the  calamities  of  the  war, 
but  was  far  from  terminating  the  resentments 
which  were  excited  by  it.  Many  in  the  United 
Slates  believed  that  Grectt  Britain  was  their  natur- 
al enemy,  and  that  her  -views  of  subjecting  the 
United  States  to  her  empire,  were  only  for  the 
present  suspended.  Soon  alter  the  peace,  Mr. 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  259 

John  Adams  had  been  deputed  by  the  old  Con- 
gress  to  negotiate  a  treaty  between  the  United 
States  and  Great  Britain  ;  but  the  latter  declined 
to  meet  this  advance  of  the  former.  While  he 
urged  on  the  court  of  Great  Britain,  the  necessi- 
ty they  were  under  by  the  late  treaty  to  evacuate 
their  posts  on  the. south  side  of  the  lakes  of  Cana- 
da, the}-  retorted  that  some  of  the  states  had,  in 
violation  of  the  same  treaty,  passed  laws  interpos- 
ing legal  impediments  to  the  recovery  of  debts 
due  to  British  subjects. 

Washington's  love  of  justice  was  not  weaken- 
ed by  partiality  to  his  country.  In  a  letter  to  a 
member  of  Congress,  he  observed,  "  It  was  im- 
politic and  unfortunate,  if  not  unjust,  in  those  states 
to  pass  laws,  which,  by  fair  construction,  might 
be  considered  as  infractions-  of  the  treaty  of  peace. 
It  is  good  policy  at  all  times,  to  place  one's  adver- 
san  in  the  wrong.  Had  we  observed  good  faith, 
and  the  western  posts  had  been  withheld  from  us 
by  Great  Brita.n,  we  might  have  appealed  to  God 
and  man  for  justice." 

"  What  a  misfortune  is  it,"  said  he,  in  another 
letter,  "•  that  the  British  should  have .  so  well 
grounded  a  pretext  for  their  palpable  infractions  ; 
and  what  a  disgraceful  part,  out  of  the  choice  of 
difficulties  before  us,  are  we  to  act !" 

In  the  first  years  of  Washington's  presidency, 
he  took  informal  measures  to  sound  the  British 
cabinet,  and  to  ascertain  its  views  respecting  tne 
United  States.  To  Mr  Gouverneur  Morris,  who 
had  been  carried  by  private  business  to  Europe, 
this  negotiation  was  intrusted  He  conducted  it 
with  ability ;  but  found  no  disposition  in  the  court 


260  THE  LIFE  OP 

of  Great  Britain  to  accede  to  the  wishes  of  the 
United  States.  In  about  two  years  more,  when 
the  stability  and  energy  of  the  government  as  ad- 
ministered by  Washington  became  a  matter  of 
public  notoriety,  the  British,  of  their  own  motion, 
sent  Mr.  Hammond,  their  first  minister  to  the 
United  States.  This  advance  induced  the  presi- 
dent to  nominate  Mr.  Thomas  Pinckney  as  min- 
ister plenipotentiary  to  the  court  of  Great  Brit- 
ain. 

About  this  time  war  commenced  between  France 
and  Great  Britain.  The  correct,  sound  judgment 
of  Washington  instantly  decided  that  a  perfect  neu- 
trality was  the  right,  the  duty,  and  the  interest  of 
the  United  States,  and  of  this  he  gave  public  no- 
tice by  a  proclamation,  in  April,  1793.  Subse- 
quent events  have  proved  the  wisdom  of  this  meas- 
ure, though  it  was  then  reprobated  by  many. 
The  war  between  the  late  enemies  and  friends  of 
the  United  States,  revived  revolutionary  feelings 
in  the  breasts  of  the  citizens,  and  inlisted  the 
strongest  passions  of  human  nature  against  the  one, 
and  in  favour  of  the  other.  A  wish  for  the  suc- 
cess of*  France  was  almost  universal ;  and  many 
were  willing  to  hazard  the  peace  of  their  country, 
by  taking  an  active  part  in  the  war  in  her  favour. 
(The  proclamation  was  at  variance  with  the  feel- 
jings  and  the  passions  of  a  large  portion  of  the  cit- 
jizens.  To  compel  the  observance  of  neutrality 
under  these  circu instances  was  no  easy  matter. 
Hitherto  Washington  had  the  people  with  him  ; 
but  in  this  case  a  large  proportion  was  on  the 
other  side.  His  resolution  was  nevertheless  un- 
shaken j  and  at  the  risk  of  popularity  he  persisted 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 


261 


in  promoting  the  real  good  of  his  fcllowcitizens, 
in  opposition  to  their  own  mistaken  wishes  and 
views. 

The  tide  of  popular  opinion  ran  as  strongly 
against  Britain  as  in  favour  of  France.  The  form- 
er was  accused  of  instigating  the  Indians  to  acts 
of  hostility  against  the  United  States  ;  of  impress- 
ing their  sailors  ;  of  illegally  capturing  their  ships; 
and  of  stirring  up  the  Algerines  against  them. 
The  whole. of  this  hostility  was  referred  to  a  jcal- 
c^sy  of  the  growing  importance  of  the  United 
States.  Motions  were  made  in  Congress  for  se-  i 
questering  debts  due  to  British  subjects  ;  for  en- 
tering into  commercial  hostility  with  Great  Britain, 
and  even  for  interdicting  all  intercourse  with  her, 
till  she  pursued  other  measures  with  respect  to  the 
United  States.  Every  appearance  portended  im- 
mediate war  between  the  two  countries.  The  pas- 
l  sionate  admirers  of  France  wished  for  it ;  while 
I  others,  more  attached  to  British  systems,  dreaded 
a  war  with  Great  Britain,  as  being  likely  to  throw 
the  United  States  into  the  anus  of  France.  In 
!  this  state  of  things,  when  war  seemed  inevitable, 
the  president  composed  the  troubled  scene  b)  nom- 
inating John  Jay,  in  April,  1794,  envoy  extraor- 
\  dinary  to  the  court  of  London.  By  this  meas- 
1  ure  a  truce  was  obtained,  and  that  finally  ended 
in  an  adjustment  of  the  points  in  controversy  be- 
tween the  tu'o  countries.  The  exercise  of  the 
constitutional  right  of  the  president  to  negotiate, 
.  virtually  suspended  all  hostile  legislative  meas- 
ures; for  these  could  not  with  delicacy  or  propri- 
ety be  urged,  whiU  the.  executive  w  s  i»»  the  <<:t 
of  treating  for  an  amicable  adjustment  oi'  difference^ 


262 


THE  LIFE  OF 


A  treaty  between  the  United  States  and  Great 
Britain  was  the  result  of  this  mission.  This  was 
pronounced  by  Mr.  Jay,  "  to  be  the  best  that  was 
attainable,  and  which  he  believed  it  for  the  inter- 
est of  the  United  States  to  accept."  While  the 
treaty  was  before  the  Senate  for  consideration,  a 
member,  contrary  to  the  rules  of  that  body,  fur- 
nished an  editor  of  a  newspaper  with  a  copy  of  it. 
This  being  published,  operated  like  a  spark  of  lire 
applied  to  combustible  materials.  The  angry  pas- 
sions which  for  some  short  time  had  been  smoth- 
ered, broke  out  afresh.  Some  went  so  far  as  to 
pronounce  the  treaty  a  surrender  of  their  power 
to  their  late  enemy,  Great  Britain,  and  a  derelic- 
tion of  their  tried  friend  and  ally,  France.  The 
more  moderate  said,  that  too  much  was  given,  and 
too  little  received.  Meetings  of  the  people  were 
held  at  Boston,  New  York,  Philadelphia,  Balti- 
more, Charleston,  and  several  other  places,  in 
which  the  treaty  was  pronounced  to  be  unworthy 
of  acceptance,  and  petitions  were  agreed  upon 
and  forwarded  to  the  president,  urging  him  to  re- 
fuse his  signature  to  the  obnoxious  instrument. 

These  agitations  furnished  matter  for  serious 
reflection  tathe  president,  but  they  did  not  affect 
his  conduct,  though  they  induced  a  reiterated  ex- 
amination of  the  subject.  In  a  private  letter  to  a 
friend,  after  reciting  the  importance  of  the  crisis, 
lie  added,  "  There  is  but  one  straight  course,  and 
that  is  to  seek  truth  and  to  pursue  it  steadily." 
It  is  probable  that  he  had  early-  made  up  his  mind 
to  ratify  the  treaty  as  better  than  none,  and  infi- 
nitely better  than  war  ;  but  regretted  that  it  was 
so  generally  disliked,  and  considered  by  many  as 


TJEORSE  WASHINGTON.  263 

tnade  with  a  design  to  oppress  the  French  Repub- 
lic. Under  the  weight  of  his  high  responsibility, 
he  consoled  himself,  "  that  in  time  when  passion 
shall  have  yielded  to  reason,  the  current  may  pos- 
sibly turn."  Peace  with  all  the  world  was  his  pol- 
icy, where  it  could  be  preserved  with  honour. 
War  he  considered  as  an  evil  of  such  magnitude, 
as  never  to  be  entered  upon  without  the  most  im- 
perious necessity.  The  mission  of  Mr.  Jay  was 
his  last  effort  for  the  preservation  of  peace  with 
Great  Britain.  The  rejection  of  the  treaty  which 
resulted  from  this  mission,  he  considered  as  the 
harbinger  of  war ;  for  negotiation  having  failed  to 
redress  grievances,  no  alternative  but  war  was  left. 
By  this  prudent  conduct,  the  rising  staies  were 
preserved  in  peace,  but  the  bickerings  of  the  cit- 
izens among  •  themselves,  and  their  animosities 
against  Great  Britain,  still  continued.  The  pop- 
ularity of  the  president  for  the  present  was  dimin- 
ished ;  but  on  this  he  had  counted.  In  a  letter  to 
Gen.  Knox,  he  observes,  "Next  to  a  conscien- 
tious discharge  of  my  public  duties,  to  carry  along 
with  me  the  approbation  of  my  constituents,  would 
be  the  highest  gratification  of  which  my  mind  is 
susceptible.  But  the  latter  being  secondary,  I 
cannot  make  the  former  yield  to  it,  unless  some 
criterion  more  infallible  than  partial,  if  they  are 
not  party,  meetings,  can  be  discovered  as  the 
touchstone  of  public  sentiment.  If  any  person  on 
earth  could,  or  the  Great  Power  above  would 
^ertct  the  standard  of  infallibility  in  political  opin- 
ions, no  being  that  inhabits  this  terrestrial  globe, 
would  resort  to  it  with  more  eagerness  than  my- 


264  THE  LIFE  OF 

self,  so  long  as  I  remain  a  servant  of  the  public: 
But  as  I  have  hitherto  found  no  better  guide  than 
upright  intentions,  and  close  investigation,  I  shall 
adhere  to  them  while  I  keep  the  watch. " 

After  the  treaty  was  duly  ratified,  an  attempt 
was  made  to  render  it  a  dead  letter,  by  refusing 
the  appropriations  of  money  necessary  to  carry  it 
into  -effect.  Preparatory  to  this,  a  motion  was 
made  for  the  adoption  of  a  resolution  to  request 
the  president  to  lay  before  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives a  copy  of  his  instructions  to  Mr.  Jay, 
together  with  the  correspondence  and  other  docu- 
ments relative  to  the  treaty  with  Great  Britain. 
This  involved  a  new  question,  where  the  treaty 
making  power  was  constitutionally  lodged  ?  The 
debate  was  animated  and  vehement.  Appeals  were 
made  both  to  reason  and  passion.  After  a  discus- 
sion of  more  than  twenty  days,  the  motion  was 
carried  in  the  affirmative  by  a  majority  of  twenty 
five  votes.  When  the  resolution  was  presented  to 
the  president,  he  replied,  "  That  he  would  take 
time  to  consider  it/'  His  situation  was  peculiar- 
ly cUiU'cite  ;  the  passions  of  the  people  were  strong- 
ly excited  against  the  treaty  ;  the  popularity  of 
the  demajid  being  solely  for  information  ;  the  large 
majority  by  which  the  vote  was  carried  ;  the  sus- 
picions that  would  probably  attach  in  case  of  re- 
fusal, that  circumstances  had  occurred  in  the  course 
oi  the  negotiation  which  the  president  was  afraid 
to  publish,  added  to  other  weighty  considerations, 
would  have  induced  minds  of  an  ordinary  texture, 
to  yk  id  to  the  request.  With  Washington,  pop- 
ularity was  only  a  secondary  object.  To  follow 


GEOTIGE  WASHINGTON.  265 

the  path  of  duty  and  the  public  good  was  a  prima- 
ry one.  He  had  sworn  to  "  preserve,  protect,  and 
defend  the  constitution."  fn  his  opinion  the  trea- 
ty making  power  was  exclusively  given  by  the 
people  in  convention  to  the  executive,  and  that  the 
public  good  required  that  it  should  be  so  exer- 
cised. Under  the  influence  of  these  solemn  obli- 
gations, he  returned  the  following  answer  to  the 
resolution  which  had  been  presented  to  him. 

"  Gen'hmen  of  the  Jl^nse  of  Representatives, 

"  With  the  utmost  attention  I  have  considered 
your  resolution  of  the  21th.  inst.  requesting  ;ne  to 
lay  before  your  house  a  copy  of  the  instructions 
to  the  minister  of  the  United  States,  who  negoti- 
ated the  treaty  with  the  king  of  Great  Britain,  to- 
gether with  the  correspondence  and  other  docu- 
ments relative  to  that  treaty,  excepting  such  of  the 
said  papers  as  any  existing  negotiation  may  ren- 
der improper  to  be  disclosed. 

"  In  deliberating  upon  this  subject,  it  was  im- 
possible for  me  to  lose  sight  of  the  principle  which 
some  have  avowed  in  irs  discussion,  or  to  avoid 
extending  my  views  to  the  consequences  which 
must  flow  from  the  admission  of  that  principle. 

"  I  trust  that  no  part  of  my  conduct  has  ever 
indicated  a  disposition  to  withhold  any  informa- 
tion which  the  constitution  has  enjoined  it  upon 
the  president  as  a  duty  to  give,  or  which, could  te 
required  of  him  by  either  house  of  Congress  as  a 
right ;  and  with  truth  I  affinn,  that  it  has  been, 
as  it  will  continue  to  be,  while  I  have  the  honour 
to  preside  in  the  government,  my  constant  endeav- 
our to  harmonize  with  the  oilier  branches  tbtreo-". 


266  THE  LIFE  or 

so  far  as  the  trust  delegated  to  me  by  the  people 
of  the  United  States,  and  my  sense  of  the  obliga- 
tion it  imposes,  '  to  preserve,  protect,  and  defend 
the  constitution,'  will  permit. 

"  The  nature  of  foreign  negotiations  requires 
Caution,  and  their  success  must  often  depend  on 
secrecy  ;  and  even  when  brought  to  a  conclusion, 
a  full  disclosure  of  all  the  measures,  demands,  or 
eventual  concessions,  which  may  have  been  pro- 
posed  or  contemplated,  would  be  extremely  impol- 
itic ;  for  this  might  have  a  pernicious  influence  on 
future  negotiations,  or  produce  immediate  incon- 
veniences, perhaps  danger  and  mischief,  to  other 
persons.  The  necessity  of  such  caution  and  se- 
crecy was  one  cogent  reason  for  vesting  the  pow- 
er of  making  treaties  in  the  president,  with  the  ad- 
vice and  consent  of  the  Senate,  the  principle  on 
which  that  body  was  formed  confining  it  to  a  small 
number  of  members. 

"  To  admit  then  a  right  in  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives to  demand,  and  to  have  as  a  matter  of 
course,  all  the  papers  respecting  a  negotiation  with 
a  foreign  power,  would-be  to  establish  a  danger- 
ous precedent. 

"  It  does  not  occur  that  the  inspection  of  the  pa- 
pers asked  for,  can  be  relative  to  any  purpose  un- 
der the  cognisance  of  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives, except  that  of  an  impeachment,  which  the 
resolution  has  not  expressed.  I  repeat  that  I  have 
no  disposition  to  withhold  any  information  which 
the  duty  of  my  station  will  permit,  or  the  public 
good  shall  require,  to  be  disclosed  ;  and  in  fact  all 
the  papers  affecting  the  negotiation  with  Great 
Britain  were  laid  before  the  Senate  when  the  trea- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  267 

V 

tj  itself  was  communicated  for  tlieir  consideration 
and  advice. 

"  The  course  which  the  debate  has  taken  on  the 
resolution  of  the  house,  leads  to  some  observations 
on  the  mode  of  making  treaties  under  the  consti- 
tution of  the  United  States. 

"  Having  been  a  member  of  the  general  con- 
vention, and  knowing  the  principles  on  which  the 
constitution  was  formed,  I  have  ever  entertained 
but  one  opinion  upon  this  subject;  and  from  the 
first  establishment  of  the  government  to  this  mo- 
ment, my  conduct  has  exemplified  that  opinion. 
That  the  power  of  making  treaties  is  exclusively 
vested  in  the  president,  by  and  with  the  advice  and 
consent  of  the  Senate,  provided  two  thirds  of  the 
senators  present  concur ;  and  tiiat  every  treaty  so 
made  and  promulgated,  thenceforward  beco  nes 
the  law  of  the  land,  It  is  thus  that  the  treaty  mak- 
ing power  has  been  understood  by  foieign  na- 
tions ;  and  in  all  the  treaties  made  \virh  them  we 
have  declared,  and  they  have  believed,  that  when 
ratified  by  the  president  with  the  advice  and  con- 
sent of  the  Senate,  they  become  obligatory.  In 
this  construction  of  the  constitution,  every  House 
of  Representatives  has  heretofore  acquiesced 
until  the  present  time,  not  a  doubt  or  su 
lias  appeared  to  my  knowledge  that  this  censer '.ic- 
tion  was  not  the  true  one.  Nay,  they  have  more 
than  acquiesced  ;  for  until  now,  without  contro- 
verting the  obligation  of  sucli  treaties,  they  have 
made  all  the  requisite  provisions  for  carrying  them; 
into  t-iTcct. 

"  There  is  also  reason  to  believe  that  this  con- 
nn  r^rces  with  the  opinions  entertained  by 


268  1HS  LIFE  OF 

the  state  conventions,  when  they  were  deliberat- 
ing on  the  constitution,  especially  by  those  who 
objected  to  it ;  because  there  was  not  required  in 
commercial  treaties  the  consent  of  two  thirds  of 
the  whole  number  of  the  members  of  the  Senate, 
instead  of  two  thirds  of  the  senators  present ;  and 
because  in  treaties  respecting  territorial  and  certain 
other  rights  and  claims,  the  concurrence  of  three 
fourths  of  the  whole  number  of  the  merr.bers  of 
both  houses  respectively  was  not  niude  necessary, 

"  It  is  a  fact  declared  by  the  general  conven- 
tion, and  universally  understood,  that  the  consti- 
tution of  the  United  States  was  the  result  of  a  spir- 
it of  amity  and  mutual  concession  ;  and  it  is  well 
known  that  under  this  influence,  the  smaller  states 
were  admitted  to  an  equal  representation  in  the 
Senate  with  the  larger  states,  and  that  this  branch 
of  the  government  was  invested  with  great  pow- 
ers ;  for  on  the  equal  participation  of  those  pow- 
ers, the  sovereignty  and  political  safety  of  the 
smaller  states  were  deemed  essentially  to  depend. 

"  If  other  proofs  than  these,  and  the  plain  letter 
of  the  constitution  itself,  be  necessary  to  ascertain 
'the  point  under  -consideration,  they  may  be  found 
iiL the  journals  of  the  general  convention,  which  I 
have  deposited  in  the  office  ef  the  department  of 
state.  In  these  journals  it  will  appear  that  a  prop- 
osition was  made  *  that  no  treaty  should  be  bind- 
ing on  the  United  States  which  was  not  ratified 
by  a  law  ;'  and  that  the  proposition  was  explicit- 
ly rejected. 

"  As  therefore  it  is  perfectly  clear  to  my  under- 
standing, that  the  assent  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives is  not  necessarv  to  the  validitvof  a  trca- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

ty  ;  as  the  treaty  with  Great  Britain  exhibits  in  it- 
self all  the  objects  requiring  legislative  provision, 
and  on  these  the  papers  called  for  can  throw  no 
light ;  and  as  it  is  essential  to  the  due  administra- 
tion of  the  government,  that  the  boundaries  fixed 
by  the  constitution  between  the  different  depart- 
ments should  be  preserved  ;  a  just  regard  to  the 
constitution  and  to  the  duty  of  my  office,  under  all 
the  circumstances  of  this  case,  forbid  a  compliance 
with  your  request." 

Though  the  cull  for  papers  was  unsuccessful, 
the  favourers  of  the  resolution  for  that  purpose  op- 
posed the  appropriations  necessary  to  carry  the 
treaty  into  effect ;  but,  from  the  firmness  of  the 
president,  the  ground  was  altered.  The  treaty  was 
ratified,  and  proclaimed  to  the  public  as  constitu- 
tionally obligatory  on  the  citizens.  To  refuse  ap- 
propriations for  carry  ing  it  into  effect,  would  not 
only  incur  the  high  responsibility  of  breaking  the 
public  faith,  but  make  a  schism  in  the  government 
between  the  executive  and  legislative  departments. 
After  long  and  vehement  debates,  in  which  argu- 
ment and  passion  were  both  resorted  to,  with  the 
view  of  exposing  the  merits  and  dements  of  the 
treaty,  the  resolution  for  bringing  in  the  laws  nec- 
essary to  carry  it  into  effect,  was  carried  by  a  ma- 
jority of  three.  Though  in  this  discussion  Wash- 
ington had  no  direct  agency,  yet  the  final  result  in 
favour  of  the  treaty  was  the  consequence  of  the 
measures  he  had  previously  adopted.  For  having 
ratified  the  treaty  and  published  it  to  the  world  as 
the  law  of  the  laud,  and  having  in  his  answer  to 
the  request  of  the  House  of  Representatives;  prov- 
24J* 


270  THE  LIFE  OF 

cd  that  he  had  a  constitutional  right  so  to  do,  the 
law's  necessary  for  giving  effect  to  the  treaty,  could 
liot  be  withheld  without  hazarding  the  most  seri- 
ous consequences. 

The  treaty  which  was  thus  carried  into  opera- 
tion, produced  more  good  and  less  evil  than  was 
apprehended.  It  compromised  ancient  differen- 
ces, produced  amicable  dispositions,  and  a  friend- 
ly -intercourse.  It  brought  round  a  peaceable  sur- 
render of  the  British  posts,  and  compensation  for 
American  vessels  illegally  captured.  Though  it 
gave  up  some  favourite  principles,  and  some  of 
its  articles  relative  to  commerce  were  deemed  un- 
equal, yet  from  Biiiain,  ns  a, great  naval  power, 
holding  valuable  colonies  and  foreign  possessions, 
siothing  better,  either  with  or  without  the  treaty, 
could  have  been  obtained. 

Alter  the  lapse  of  ten  years  has  cooled  the  minds 
.both  of  the  friends  and  enemies  of  the  treaty,  most 
men  will  acknowledge  that  the  measures  adopted 
by  Washington  with  respect  to  it  were  founded 
in  wisdom  ;  proceeded  from  the  purest. patriot- 
ism ;  were  carried  through  with  uncommon  firm- 
ness ;  and  finally  eventuated  in  advancing  the  in- 
terests of  his  country. 

Thorny  and  difficult  as  was  the  line  of  policy- 
proper  to  be  pursued  by  Washington  with  respect 
to  Britain,  it  was  much  more  so  in  regard  to 
France.  The  revolution  in  France,  and  the  estab- 
lishment of  the  constitution  of  the  United  States, 
were  nearly  cotemporary  events.  Till  about  the 
year  1793,  perfect  harmony  subsisted  between  the 
.two  countries ;  but  from  the  commencement  cf 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  271 

the  war  between  France  and  England,  the  great- 
est address  "was  requisite  to  prevent  the  United 
Slates  from  being  involved  in  war  with  one  or  the 
other,  ^nd  sometimes  with  both.  Good  will  to 
France,  and  hatred  to  Britain,  which  had  prevail- 
ed more  or  less  from  the  peace  of  1783,  revived 
with  a  great  increase  of  force  on  the  breaking  put 
of  war  between  the  two  countries.  These  dispo- 
sitions were  greatly  increased  by  the  arrival  of  Mr. 
Genet,  the  first  minister  plenipotentiary  from  the 
republic  of  France  to  the  United  States.  He  Iand4 
ed  April  8th.  1793,  at  Charleston,  S.  C.  the  con- 
tiguity of  which  to*  the  West  Indies,  fitted  it  to  be| 
a  convenient  resort  for  privateers.  By  the  Gov- 
ernor of  the  state,  Wm.  Mouitrie,  and  the  citi- 
zens, he  was  received  with  ardour  approaching  to 
enthusiasm.  •  During  iiis  stay,  which  was  for  sev-. 
era!  days,  he  received  unequivocal  proofs  of  the 
warmest  attachment  to  his  person,  his  country,  and 
its  cause,  l^ncouraged  by  these  evidences  of  the 
good  wishes  of  the  people  for  the  success  of  the  r 
French  revolution,  lie  undertook  to  authorize  the 
fitting  and  anting  of  vessels  in  that  port,  iniisting 
men,  and  giving  commissions  to  vessels  to  cruise 
arid  commit  hostilities  on  nations  with  whom  the 
United  States^were  at  peace.  The  captures  made 
by  these  cruisers  were  to  be  tried,  condemned,  and 
sold,  under  the  authority  of  Genet,  who  hi  cl  notj 
yet  been  recognised  as  a  public  minister  by  the 
government. 

Similar  marks  of  enthusiastic  attachment  were 
lavished  on  Genet  as  IK  passed  through  the  coun- 
try between  Charlcsron  and  Philadelphia.  At 
Gray's  ferry,  over  the  Schuylkili,  he  was  met>by 


572  THE  LIFE  OF 

crowds  who  flocked  to  do  honour  to  the  first  am- 
bassador of  ax  republican  allied  nation.  On  the 
day  after  his  arrival  in  Philadelphia,  he  received 
addresses  from  societies  and  the  inhabitants,  who 
expressed  their  gratitude  for  the  aids  furnis lied  by 
the  -French  nation  to  the  United  States  in  their  late 
struggle  for  liberty  and  independence,  and  un- 
bounded exultation  at  the  success  of  the  French 
arms.  Genet's  answers  to  these  addresses  were 
well  calculated  to  preserve  the  idea  of  a  complete 
fraternity  between  the  tvvo  nations,  and  that  their 
interests  we;  e  the  same. 

After  Genet  had  been  thus  -accredited  by  the 
citizens  of  Philadelphia,  he  was  presented  to  the 
president,  and  received  with  expressions  of  a  sin- 
cere and  cordial  regard  for  his  nation.  In  the 
conversations  which  took  place  on  the  occasion, 
P.Ir.  Genet  gave  the  most  explicit  assurances  that 
France  did  not  wish  to  engage  the  United  States 
in  the  war  between  his  country  and  Great  Britain. 

While  Mr.  Genet  was  receiving  these  flattering 
marks  of  attention  from  the  people,  the  British 
minister  preferred  a  long  catalogue  of  complaints 
against  his  proceedings  at  Charleston.  This  was 
founded  on  the  acts  already  mentioned,  which 
were  calculated  to  make  the  United  States  instru- 
ments of  hostility  in  the  hands  of  France,  against 
those  with  whom  she  was  at  war.  These  were 
farther  aggravated'by  actual  hostilities  in  the  ter- 
ritories of  the  United  States.  The  ship  Grange, 
a  British  vessel,  was  captured  by  the  French  frig- 
ate T Ambuscade,  within  the  Capes  of  the  Dela- 
ware, while  on  her  way  from  Philadelphia  to  the 
ocean,  Of  this  ship,  und  of  other  illegal  prizes 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

which  were  in  the  power  of  the  American  govern- 
ment, the  British  minister  demanded  restitution. 

The  cabinet  council  of  Washington'  was  unani- 
mous that  every  independent  nation  was  e^lu- 
sively  sovereign  in  its  own  territories,  and  that  the 
proceedings  complained  of  were  unwarranted  usur-" 
pations  of  sovereignty,  and  violations  of  neutrali- 
ty ;  and  therefore  must  in  future  be  prevented, 
it  was  also  agreed  that  the  cfi^eacy  of  the  laws 
should  be  tried  against  those  citizens  of  the  Unit- 
ed States  who  had  joined  in  the  offences  complain- 
ed of.  The  restitution  of  the  Grange  was  also 
agreed  to  ;  but  on  the  propriety  of  enforcing  the 
restitution  of  prizes  made  on  the  high  seas,  there 
was  a  diversity  of  sentiment,  the  Secretaries  of  the 
Treasury  and  of  War  being  ibr  it,  and  the  Secre- 
tary of  State  .ai id  the  Attorney  General  against  it. 
The  principles  on  which1  a  concurrence  of  senti- 
ment had  taken  place  being  considered  as  settled, 
the  Secretary  of  State  was  desired  to  communi- 
cate them  to  the  ministers  of  France  and  of  Brit- 
ain ;  and  circular  letters  were  written  to  the  Gov- 
ernors of  the  several  states,  requiring  them  to  co- 
operate with  force,  if  necessary,  to  execute  the 
rules  which  had  been  agreed  upon. 

Mr.  Genet  was  highly  dissatisfied  with  these 
determinations,  and  considered  them  as  subver- 
sive of  the  treaty  between  the  United  States  and 
France.  His  representations  induced  a  reconsid- 
cra  o  i  of  the  subject ;  but  on  the  most  dispassion- 
ate review  of  it,  no  reason  appeared  for  an  altera- 
tion of  any  part  of  the  system.  The  minister  of 
France  was  further  informed,  that  in  the  opinion 


THE  LIFE  O*' 

of  the  president,  the  vessels  which  had  been  i  lie- 
gall  v  equipped,  should  depart  from  the  ports  of  the 
United  States. 

Mr.  Genet,  adhering  to  his  own  construction  of 
the  treaty  between  France  and  the  United  States, 
would  not  acquiesce  in  those  decisions  of  the  gov- 
ernment. Intoxicated  with  the  flattering  atten- 
tions he  had  received,  and  ignorant  of  the  firmness 
of  the  executive,  he  seems,  to  have  expected  that 
the  popularity  of  his  nation  and  its  cause,  would 
enable  him  to  undermine  the  executive,  or  render 
it  subservient  to  his  views. 

About  this  time,  two  citizens  of  the  United 
States  who  lud  been  engaged  in  Charleston  by  Mr. 
Genet,  to  cruise  in  the  service  of  France,  were  ar- 
rest- :  civil  authority,  irfpursuance  of  the 
determination  formed  by  government  to  prosecute 
persons  who  had  offended  against  the  laws.  Mr. 
Genet  demanded  their  release  as  French  citizens, 
in  the  most  extraordinary  terms.  This  was  refus- 
ed ;  but  on  trial  they  were  acquitted  by  the  ver- 
dict of  a  p<  "- 

The  minister  of  the  French  republic  was  encour- 
aged to  this  line  of  opposition,  by  a  belief  that  the 
sentiments  of  the  people  were  in  his  favour.  So 
extravagant  was  their  enthusiastic  devotedness  to 
France  ;  so  acrimonious  were  their  expressions 
against  all  the  powers  at  war  with  the  new  repub- 
lic, that  a  person  less  sanguine  than  Mr.  Gcaet 
might  have  cherished'  the  hgpe  of  being  abb  to 
succeed  so  far  with  the  people,  as,  with  thur  sup- 
port, ultimately  to  triumph  over  the  opposition  lie 
experienced.  At  civic  fesUvals,  the  ensigns  of 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

France  -were  displayed  in   union   with  those  of i 
A  uerica  ;  at  these  the  cap  of  liberty  passed  from! 
•head  to  head,  and  toasts  were  given  expressive  off 
the  irarenuiv  of  the  two  nations.     The  proclama-l 
tion  of  (icutrjjty  was  treated  as  a  royal  ediet,  which 
de .iionstrated  the  disposition  of  the  government  to  . 
break  its  connexions  with  France,  and  dissolve  the 
friendship  win  h  united  the*  people  of  the  two  re- 
publics.     The   scenes  of  the  revolutionary   war 
were  brought  into  view  ;  the  effects  of  British  hos- 
tility against  the  United  Siates,  and  of  trench  aids 
both  in  men  and  money  in  their  favour,  were  paint- 
ed in  glowing  colours.     The  enmity  of  Britain  to 
the  UnkeS  States  win  represented  as  continuing 
undiniinished;  and  in  proof  of  it  their  detention 
of  the  western  posts,  and  their  exciting  from  these 
stations  the  neighbouring  Indians  to  make  war  on 
the  frontier  settlers,  were  urged  with  great  vehe- 
mence, and  contrasted  with  the  amicable  disposi- 
tions professed  by  the  French  republic.     It  was 
indignantly  asked,  should  a  friend  and  an  enemy 
be  treated  with  equal  favour  ?  By  declamations  of 
this  kind  daily  issuing  from  the  press,  the  public 
mind  was  so  inflamed  against  the  executive,  that 
Genet,  calculating  on   the  partialities  of  the  peo- 
ple, openly  insulted  the  government ;  and,  adher- 
ing to  his  own  construction  of  the  treaty,  that  he 
had  a  right  to  do  as  he  had  done,  threatened  to 
appeal  to  the  sovereign  people  against  their  presi- 
dent. 

To  preserve  neutrality  in  such  a  crisis,  was  no 
easy  matter.  Washington,  adhering  to  the  prin- 
ciples avowed  in  his  late  proclamation,  and  em- 
bodied in  the  declaration  of  independence,  "  that 


276  THE  LIFE  OF 

the  United  States  would  hold  all  mankind  enemies 
in  war  and  friends  in  peace,"  exerted  all  his  au- 
thority and  influence  to  keep  the  balance  even  be- 
tween the  belligerents.* 

It  was  at  length  resolved  by  Washington  to  in- 
struct Mr.  iM orris,  the  minister  of  the  United 
States  at  Paris,  to  request  the  recall  of  Mr.  Genet; 
and  that  Mr.  Morris  should  be  furnished  with  all 
the  necessary  documents  to  evince  the  propriety  of 
the  request.  What  was  asked  was  granted ;  and 
Mr.  Genet's  conduct  was  disapproved  by  his  gov- 
ern, nent.  Mr.  Fauchet  wis  appointed  his  suc- 
cessor, who  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  Adet.  The 
latter  brought  with  him  foe  colours  of  France, 
which  he  was  directed  to  present  to  the  United 
States.  To  answer  the  animated  speech  of  Mr. 
Adct  on  his  ' presenting  the  colours,  required  ad- 
dress. The  occasion  required  something' aiiec- 
tionate  and  complimentary  to  the  French  nation  ;. 
and  yet  the  guarded  policy  of  Washington  forbade 
the  utterance  of  any  sentiments  which  might  be 
improper  in  the  chief  magistrate  of  a  neutral  coun- 
try, when  addressing  me  representative  of  o  ie  of 
the  b^ihgcrent  powers.  Impressed  with  this  dou- 
ble vie  TV,  the  president  made  the  following  reply  ; 

'•  Born,   sir,  in  tt  land  of  liberty  ;   having  early 
learned  its  value  ;  having  engaged  in  a  perilous 

*  If  Washington  and  Horace  had  been  cotemporaries,  the  \vo:-!<l 
voulti  have  supposed  that  the  latter  had  the  former  in  his  eye,  when 
he  penned  his  famous  ode — 

"  Justur.i  &  te.iacom  propoaiti  virurn. 
2son  civ  in  m  a. 'd^r  prava  jnb  catium> 
Noii  vultus  instantis  t>ra  is:i 
Meate  quatit  solidu— — ." 


WASHINGTON.  277 

conflict  to  defend  it ;  having,  in  a  word,  devoted 
the  best  years  of  my  life  to  secure  its  permanent 
establishment  in  my  own  country ;  my  anxious 
recollections  ;  my  sympathetic  feelings  ;  and  my 
best  wishes,  are  irresistibly  attracted,  whensoever, 
in  any  country,  I  see  an  oppressed  nation  unfurl 
the  banners  of  freedom.  But  above  all,  the  events 
of  the  French  revolution  have  produced  the  deep- 
est solicitude,  as  well  as  the  highest  admiration. 
To  call  your  nation  brave,  were  to  pronounce  but 
common  praise.  Wonderful  people  !  ages  to  come 
will  read  with  astonishment  the  history  of  \  our 
brilliant  exploits.  I  rejoice  that  the  period  of  your 
toils  and  of  your  immense  sacrifices  is  approach- 
ing. I  rejoice  that  the  interesting  revolutionary 
movements  of  so  many  years  have  issued  in  the 
formation  of  a  constitution  designed  to  give  per- 
manency to  the  great  object  for  which  you  have 
contended.  I  rejoice  that  liberty,  which  you  have 
so  long  embraced  with  enthusiasm ;  liberty,  of 
which  you  have  been  the  invincible  defenders-,  now 
finds  an  asylum  in  the  bosom  of  a  regularly  organ- 
ized government ;  a  government,  which,  being 
formed  to  secure  the  happiness  of  the  French  peo- 
ple, corresponds  with  the  ardent  wishes  of  my 
heart,  while  it  gratifies  the  pride  of  every  citizen 
of  the  United  States  by  its  resemblance  to  their 
own.  On  these  glorious  events,  accept,  sir,  niy 
sincere  congratulations. 

"  In  delivering  to  you  these  sentiments,  I  ex- 
press not  my  own  feelings  only,  but  those  of  my 
fellowcitizens,  in  relation  to  the  commencement, 
the  progress,  and  the  issue,  of  the  French  revolu- 
tion ;  and  they  will  certainly  join  with  me  in  pur* 
25 


278  THE  LIFE  OF 

est  wishes  to  the  Supreme  Being,  that  the  citizens 
of  our  sister  Republic,  our  magnanimous  allies,* 
may  soon  enjoy  in  peace  that  liberty  which  they 
have  purchased  at  so  great  a  price,  and  all  the  hap- 
piness  that  liberty  can  bestow. 

"  I  receive,  sir,  with  lively  sensibility,  the  sym- 
bol of  the  triumphs  and  of  the  infrtinchisements  of 
your  nation,  the  colours  of  France,  which  you  have 
now  presented  to  the  United  States.  The  trans- 
action will  be  announced  to  Congress,  and  the  col- 
ours will  be  deposited  with  the  archives  of  the 
United  States,  which  are* at  once  the  evidence  and 
the  memorials  of  their  freedom  and  independence. 
May  these  be  perpetual !  and  may  the  friendship  of 
the  two  republics  be  commensurate  with  their  ex- 
istence !" 

The  successors  of  Genet  continued  to  tread  in 
his  steps,  but  with  less  violence.    •  The)7  made  fre- 
quent complaints  of  particular  cases  of  hardship 
which  grew  out  of  the  war,  and  out  of  the  rules 
which  had  been  established  by  the  executive  with 
regard  to  ships  of  war,  cruisers,  and  their  prizes. 
They   complained  particularly  that  in  the1  treaty 
with   Great  Britain,  the  principle  of  "  free  ships 
making  free  goods,"  was  given  up  ;  and  urged  the 
injustice,  while  French  cruisers  were  restrained  by 
treaty  from  taking  English  goods  out  of  American 
bottoms,  that  English  cruisers  should  be  liberated 
from  the  same  restraint.     In   vain  did  the  execu- 
tive show  a  willingness  to  release  France  from  the  .. 
pressure  of  a  situation  in  which  she  had  volunta-  , 
rily    placed   herself.       Private  explanations  were  : 
made,  that  neither  the  late  treaty  made  with  Brit- 
ain, nor  the  arrangements  growing  out  ol  it,  iur- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  279 

% 

nished  any  real  cause  of  complaint  to  France. 
With  the  same  conciliatory  view,  Washington  ap- 
pointed Gen.  Pinckiey  minister  plenipotentiary  to 
the  French  republic^  "  to  maintain  that  good  un- 
derstanding, which,  from  the  commencement  of 
the  alliance,  had  subsisted  between  the  two  na- 
tions, and  to  efface  unfavourable  impressions,  ban- 
ish suspicion,  and  restore  that  cordiality  which 
was  at  once  the  evidence  and  pledge  of  a  friendly 
union."  The  Directory  having  inspected  his  let- 
ter of  credence,  announced  their  haughty  detcr- 
miiiation,  "  not  to  receive  another,  minister  from 
the  United  States,  until  after  a  redress  of  grievan- 
ces demanded  of  the  American  government,  which 
the  French  republic  had  a  right  to  expect  from  it.1' 
This  was  followed  by  a  written  mandate  to  Gen. 
Pinckney,  to  quit  the  territories  of  the  republic. 
To  complete  the  system  of  hostility,  American 
vessels,  wherever  found,  were  captured  by  French 
cruisers. 

From  this  mission  Washington  expected  an  ad- 
justment of  all  points  in  dispute  between  France 
and  the  United  States.  In  his  opinion,  the  failure  . 
of  it  was  owing  to  a  belief  that  the  American  peo- 
ple were  in  unison  with  France,  and  in  opposition 
to  thtir  own  government ;  and  that  high  toned 
measures  on  the'part  of  France,  would  induce  a 
change  of  rulers  in  the  United  States.  Before  the 
result  of  the  mission  was  Itnown,  Washington -had 
at  his  own  request  ceased  to  be  president.  Hav- 
ing made  peace  with  the  'Indians,  and  adjusted  all 
matters  in  dispute  with  both  Spain  and  Britain, 
ana  hoping  that  an  accommodation  would  soon 
_  plu'je-  with  France,  alter  eight  years  service 


280  THE  LIFE  OT 

in  the  high  office  of  president,  at  the  commence- 
ment of  which  period  he  found  the  United  States 
in  a  miserable  state  of  depression,  and  at  its  con- 
clusion, left  them  advancing  with  gigantic  steps 
in  agriculture,  commerce,  wealth,  credit,  and  rep- 
utation, and  being  in  the  sixty  sixth  year  of  his 
age  ;  he  announced  his  intention  of  declining  a  re- 
election, in  full  time  for  the  people  to  make  up 
their  mind  in  the  choice  of  his  successor*  This 
was  done  in  -an  address  to  the  people  of  the  Unit- 
ed States  in  the  following  words  ; 

**  Friends  and  FtlUnt;  citizens^. 

.  "  The  period  for  a  new  election  of  a  citizen  to 
administer  the  executive  government  of  the  Unit- 
ed States  being  not  far  distant,  and  the  time  ac- 
tually arrived  when  your  thoughts  must  be  em- 
ployed in  designating  the  person  who  is  to  be 
clothed  with  that  important  trust,  it  appears  to  me 
proper,  especially  as  it  may  conduce  to  a  more 
distinct  expression  of  the  public  voice,  that  I  should 
now  apprize  you  of  the  resolution  I  have  formed, 
to  decline  being  considered  among  the  number  of 
those  out  of  whom  the  choice  is  to  be  made. 

"  I  beg  you  at  the  same  time  to  do  me  the  jus- 
lice  to  be  assured,  that  this  resolution  has  not  been 
taken,  without  a  strict  regard  to  all  the  considera- 
tions appertaining  to  ^he  relation  which  binds  a 
dutiful  citizen  to  his  country  ;  and  that  in  with- 
drawing the  tender  of  service,  which  silence  in  my 
situation  might  imply,  Lain  influenced  by  no  dim-, 
inution  of  zeal  for  your  future  interest ;  no  defi- 
ciency of  grateful  respect  for  your  past  kindness  ; 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON". 

but  am  supported  by  a  full  conviction,  that  the 
step  is  compatible  with  both. 

"  The  acceptance  of,  and  continuance  hitherto 
in,  the  office  to  which  your  suffrages  have  twice 
called  me,  have  been  an  uniform  sacrifice  of  inch- 
nation  to  tlie  opinion  of  duty,  and  to  a  deference 
for  what  appeared  to  be  your  desire.  I  constantly 
hoped  that  it  would  have  been  much  earlier  in  my 
power,  consistently  with  motives  which  I  was  not 
at  liberty  to  disregard,  to  return  to  that  retirement 
from  which  I  had  been  reluctantly  drawn.  The 
strength  of  my  inclination  to  do  this,  previous  to 
the  last  election,  had  even  led  to  the  preparation  of 
an  address  to  declare  it  to  you  ;  but  mature  re- 
flection on  the  then  perplexed  and  critical  posture 
of  our  affairs  .  with  foreign  nations,  and  the  unani- 
mous advice  of  persons  entitled  to  my  confidence, 
impelled  me  to  abandon  the  idea. 

"  I  rejoice  that  the  state  of  your  concerns,  ex- 
ternal as  well  as  internal,  no  longer  renders  the 
pursuit  of  inclination  incompatible  with  the  senti- 
ment of  duty  or  ^propriety  ;  arid  am  persuaded 
whatever  partiality  may  be  retained  for  my  servi- 
ces, that  in  the  present  circumstances  of  our  coun- 
try, you  will  not  disapprove  of  my  determination 
to  retire. 

"  The  impressions  with  which  I  first  undertook 
the  arduous  trust,  were  explained  on  the  proper 
occasion.  In  the  discharge  of  this  trust  I  will  on- 
ly  say,  that  1  have,  with  good  intentions,  contrib- 
uted toward  the  organization  and  administration 
of  the  gov;  rnment,  the  best  exertions  of  which  a 
very  fallible  judgment  was  capable.  Not  uncoiv 
25* 


282       ^  THE  LIFE  OF 

sc'ous,  in  the  outset,  of  the  inferiority  of  my  qual- 
ifications, experience  in  my  own  eyes,  perhaps 
still  more  in  the  eyes  of  others,  has  strengthened 
the  motives  to  diffidence  of  myself;  and  every  day 
the  increasing  weight  of  years  admonishes  me 
more  and  more,  that  the  shade  of  retirement  is  as 
necessary  to  me  as  it  will  be  welcome.  Satisfied 
that  if  any  circumstances  have  given  peculiar  val- 
ue to  my  services,  they  were  temporary,  I  have 
the  consolation  to  believe,  that  while  choice  and 
prudence  invite  me  to  quit  the  political  scene,  pat- 
riotism does  not  forbid  it. 

"  In  looking  forward  to  the  moment  which  is 
to  terminate  the  career  of  my  political  life,  my 
feelings  do  not  permit  me  to  suspend  the  deep  ac^ 
knowledgment  of  that  debt  of  gratitude  which  I 
owe  to  my  beloved  country,  for  the  many  honours 
it  has  conferred  upon  me;  still  more  for  the  stead- 
fast confidence  with   which  it  has  supported  me  ; 
and  for  the  opportunities  I  have  thence  enjoyed  of 
manifesting  my  inviolable  attachment,  by  services 
faithful  and  persevering,  though  in  usefulness  un- 
equal to  my  zeal.     If  benefits  have  resulted  to  our 
country  from  these  services,  let  it  always  be  re- 
membered to  your  praise,  and  as  an  instructive 
example  in  our  annals,  that  under  circumstances 
in  which  the  passions,  agitated  in  every  direction, 
were  liable  to  mislead  ;  amidst  appearances  some- 
times dubious  ;  vicissitudes  of  fortune  often  dis- 
couraging-; in  situations  in  which  not  unfrequent- 
]y  want  of  success  has  countenanced  the  spirit  of 
criticism  ;  the  constancy  of  your  support  was  the 
essential  prop  of  the  efforts  and  a  guarantee  of  the 
plans  by  which  they  were  effected.     Profoundly 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

penetrated  with  this  idea,  I  shall  carry  it  with  me 
to  my  grave,  as  a  strong  incitement  to  unceasing 
wishes,  that  heaven  may  continue  to  you  the  choic- 
est tokens  of  its  beneficence  ;  that  your  union  and 
brotherly  affection  may  be  perpetual ;  that  the  free 
constitution,  which  is  the  work  of  your  hands,  may 
be  sacredly  maintained  ;  that  its  administration  in 
every  department  may  be  stamped  with  wisdom 
and  virtue  ;  that,  in  fine,  the  happiness  of  the  peo- 
ple of  these  states,  under  the  auspices  of  liberty, 
may  be  made  complete,  by  so  careful  a  preserva- 
tion and  so^  prudent  a  use  of  this  blessing,  as  will 
acquire  to  them  the  glory  of  recommending  it  to 
the  applause,  the  affection,  and  the  adoption,  of  ev- 
ery nation  which  is  yet  a  stranger  to  it. 

"  Here,  perhaps,  I  ought  to  stop.  But  a  solic- 
itude for  your  welfare,  which  cannot  end  but  with 
my  life,  and  the  apprehension  of  danger  natural  to 
that  solicitude,  urge  me,  on  an  occasion  like  the 
present,  to  offer  to  your  solemn  contemplation, 
and  to  recommend  to  your  frequent  review,  some 
sentiments,  which  arc  the  result  of  much  reflection, 
of  no  inconsiderable  observation,  and  which  ap- 
pear to  me  all  important  to  the  permanency  of 
your  felicity  as  a  people.  These  will  be  offered 
to  you  with  the  more  freedom,  as  you  can  only 
see  in  them  the  disinterested  warnings  of  a  parting 
friend,  who  can  possibly  have  no  personal  motive 
to  bias  his  counsel.  Nor  can  I  forget,  as  an  en- 
couragement to  it,  your  indulgent  reception  of 
my  sentiments  on  a  former  and  not  dissimilar  oc- 
casion. 

"  Interwoven  as  is  the  love  of  liberty  with  ev- 
ery ligament  of  your  hearts,  no  recommendation 


284  THE  LIFE  OP 

of  mine  is  necessary  to  fortify  or  confirm  the  at- 
tachment. * 

"  The  unity  of  government,  which  constitutes 
you  one  people,  is  also  now  dear  to  you.  It  is 
justly  so  ;  for  it  is  a  main  pillar  in  the  edifice  of 
your  real  independence  ;  the  support  of  \  our  tran- 
quillity at  home  ;  your  peace  abroad  ;  of  your  safe- 
ty, of  your  prosperity  ;  of  tlv  very  liberty  which 
you  so  highly  prize.  But  .is  it  is  easy  to  foresee, 
that  from  different  causes  and  from  different  quar- 
ters, much  pains  will  be  taken,  many  artifices  em- 
ployed, to  weaken  in  your  minds  the  conviction 
of  this  truth  ;  as  this  is  the  point  in  your  political 
fortress  against  which  the  batteries  of  internal  and 
external  enemies  will  be  most  constantly  and  ac- 
tively, though  often  covertly  and  insidiously,  di- 
rected, it  is  of  infinite  moment,  that  you  should 
properly  estimate  the  immense  value  of  your  na- 
tional union,  to  your  collective  and  individual 
happiness ;  that  you  should  cherish  a  cordial,  ha- 
bitual, and  immoveable  attachment  to  it ;  accus- 
toming \  ourselves  to  think  and  speak  of  it  as  of 
the  palladium  of  your  politicai  safety  and  pros- 
perity ;  watching  for  its  preservation  with  jealous 
anxiety  ;  discountenancing  whatever  may  suggest 
even  a  suspicion  that  it  can- in  any  event  be  aban- 
doned ;  and  indignantly  frowning  upon  the  first 
dawning  of  every  attempt  to  alienate  any  portion 
of  our  country  from  the  rest,  or  to  enfeeble  the 
sacred  ties  which  now  link  together  the  various 
parts. 

u  For  this  you  have  every  inducement  of  sym- 
pathy and  interest.  Citizens  by  birth  or  Choice 
of  a  common  country,  jthat  country  has  a  right  to- 


GEORGIA  WASHINGTON.  285 

concentrate  your  affections.  The  name  of  AMER- 
ICA \,  which  belongs  to  you  in  your  national  ca- 
pacity, must  always  exalt  the  just  pride  of  patriot- 
ism, more  than  am  appellation  derived  from  local 
discriminations  With  slight  shades  of  difference, 
you  have  the  same  religion,  'manners,  habits,  and 
political  principles.  You  have  in  a  common  cause 
fought  and  triumphed  together;  the  independence 
and  liberty  you  possess,  are  the  work  of  joint  coun- 
cils, and  joint  efforts  ;  of  common  dangers,  suffer- 
ings, and  successes. 

"  But  these  considerations,  however  powerfully 
they  address  themselves  to  your  sensibility,  are 
greatly  outweighed  by  those  which  apply  more 
immediately  to  your  interest.  Here  every  portion 
of  our  country  finds  the  most  commanding  mo- 
tives for  carefully  guarding  and  preserving  the  un- 
ion of  the  whole. 

"  The  north,  in  an  unrestrained  intercourse  with 
the  south,  protected  by  the  equal  laws  of  a  com- 
mon government,  finds  in  the  productions  of  the 
latter,  great  additional  resources  of  maritime  and 
commercial  enterprise,  and  precious  materials  of 
manufacturing  industry.  The  south  in  the  same 
intercourse,  benefiting  by  the  agency  ol  the  north, 
sees  its  agriculture  grow  and  its  commerce  expand. 
Turning  partly  into  its  own  channels  the  seamen 
of  the  north,  it  finds  its  particular  navigation  in- 
vigorated ;  and  while  it  contributes,  in  different 
ways,  to  nourish  and  increase  the  general  mass  of 
the  national  navigation,  it  looks  forward  to  the  pro- 
tection of  a  maritime  strength,  to  which  itself  is 
unequally  adapted.  The  tast,  in  like  intercourse 
with  the  west,  already  finds,  and  in  the  progress- 


286"  THE  LIFE  OF 

ive  improvement  of  interior  communications,  by 
land  and  water,  will  more  and  more  find  a  valua- 
ble vent  for  the  commodities  which  it  brings  from 
abroad,  or  manufactures  at  home.  -The  w<-st  de- 
rives from  the  east  supplies -requisite  to  its  growth 
and  comfort ;  and  what  is  perhaps  of  still  greater 
consequence,  it  must  of  necessity  owe  the  secure 
enjoyment  of  indispensable  outlets  for  its  own 
productions,  to  the  weight,  influence,  and  the  fu- 
ture maritime  strength  of  the  Atlantic  side  of  the 
union,  directed  by  an  indissoluble  community  of 
interest  as  one  nation.  Any  other  tenure  by  which 
the  west  can  hold  this  essential  advantage,  wheth- 
er derived  from  its  own  separate  strength,  or 
from  an  apostate  and  unnatural  connexion  with 
any  foreign  power,  must  be  intrinsically  precari- 
ous." 

*•  Wbile   :/vn  every   part  of  our  country  thus 
feels  a;:  :ateand  particular  interest  in  union  J 

all  the  parts  cqmLi.r^d  cannot  fail  to  find  in  the 
united  rai-?s  of  means  and  efforts,  greater  strength, 
greater  resource,  proportionubly  tnv:>l:o-  security 
Lota  external  danger,  a  less  frequent  inkvri;  jtion 
of  their  peact-  by  iorcign  nations  ;  and,  v.  hat  is  of 
inestimable  value,  they  must  derive  fro-.n  union 
an  exemption  from  those  bro'.is  and  wars  between 
thuMsdvts  wh  ch  so  frequently  aiiiict  neighbour- 
ing countries,  no':  tied  together  by  the  same  ';;ov- 
ernaiciU;  which  their  own  rivalships  alone  wouiei 
be  sufcicrit  to  produce  ;  but  which  oppo 
ci^-i  .-.;iu.;ces,  attachments,  and  intri;:«ji.^-,  \\c.;iid 
Stimulate  and  embitter.  Hence  likewise  ::-;,  w.Il 
a  aid  the  n^c'jssiiy  of  those  ovcr./ou-u  miJitary! 
,  which,  under  any  form  of  govc/n- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 


~28'7 


ment,  are  inauspiciofc  to  liberty,  and  whirh  are 
to  be  regarded  as  particularly  hostile  to  republican 
liberty.  In  this  sense  it  is,  that  your  union  ought 
to  be  considered  as  a  ina'.n  prop  of  your  liberty, 
and  that  the  love  of  the  one  ought  to  endear  to  you 
the  preservation  of  the  other. 

"  These  considerations  speak  a  persuasive  lan- 
guage to  every  reflecting  and  virtuous  mind,  and 
exiiih:t  the  continuance  of  the  union  as  a  pri  ary 
object  of  patriotic  des  re.  Is  there  a  doubt  Avheth- 
er  a  common  government  can  embrace  so  large  a 
sphere  ?  Let  experience  solve  it.  To  Lsten  to 
mere  speculation  in  such  a  case  were  criminal. 
\Ve  are  authorized  to  hope  that  a  proper  organi- 
zat;on  of  the  whole,  with  the  auxiliary  agency  of 
governments  tor  the  respective  subdivisions,  will 
afford  a  happy 'issue  to  the  experiment.  It  is  well 
worth  a  fair  and  £ull  experiment.  W  th  such  pow- 
erful and  obv  ous  mot  ves  to  union,  affecting  all 
paits  of  our  counm ,  while  experience  shall  not 
have  demonstrated  its  impracticability,  there  w  11 
always  be  reason  to  distrust  the  patriotism  of  those 
Vv  >,  in  any  quarter,  may  endeavour  to  weaken 
its  b,,nds. 

"  Li  contemplating  the  causes  which  may  dis- 
turbour  union,  it  occurs  as  matter  of  serious  con- 
cern, that  any  ground  should  have  been  furnished 
for  characterizing  parties  In  geographical  discrim- 
inations;  northern  and  southern;  Atlantic  and 
•western  ;  ui  ence  designing  men  may  endeavour 
to  A',. ue  a  belief  that  there  is  a  real  difference  of 
loci.l  interests  and  views.  One  of  the  expedients 
of  party  to  acquire  influence,  with  n  particular  dis- 
tricts, is  to  misrepresent  the  opinions  and  aims  of 


THE  LIFE  OF 

other  districts.     You  cannoRhleld  yourselves  too 
much  against  the  jealousies  and   heartburnings 
which  spring  from  these  misrepresentations ;  they 
tend  to  render  alien  to  each  other,  those  who  ought 
to  be  bound  together  by  fraternal  affection.     The 
inhabitants  of  our  western  country  have  lately  had 
a  useful  lesson  on  this  head.     They  have  seen,  in 
the  negotiation  by  the  executive,  and  in  the  unan- 
imous ratification  by  the  senate,  of  the  treaty  with 
Spain,  ami  in  the  universal  satisfaction  at  that  event 
throughout  the   United   States,  a  decisive  proof 
how  unfounded   were  the  suspicions  propagated 
among  them  of  a  policy  in  the  general  government, 
and  in  the  Atlantic  states,  unfriendly  to  their  in- 
terests in  regard  to  the  Missisippi.     They  have 
been  witnesses  to  the  formation  of  two  treaties, 
that  with  Great  Britain  and  that  with.  Spain,  which 
secure  to  them  every  thing  they^ould  desire,  in 
respect  to  our  foreign  relations,  toward  confirm- 
ing their  prosperity.     Will  it  not  be  their  Wisdom 
to  rely  for  the  preservation  of  these  advantages  on 
the  union  by  which  they  were  procured  ?     Will 
they  not   henceforth  be  deaf  to  those  advisers,  if 
such  there  are,  who  would  sever  them  from  their 
brethren,  and  connect  them  widi  aliens  ? 

"  To  the  efficacy  and  permanency  of  your  un- 
ion, a  government  for  the  whole  is  indispensable. 
No  alliances,  however  strict,  between  the  parts 
can  be  an  adequate  substitute ;  they  must  inevita- 
bly experience  the  infractions  and  interruptions 
which  all  alliances  in  all  times  have  experienced,, 
Sensible  of  this  momentous  truth,  you  have  im- 
proved upon  your  first  essay,  by  the  adoption  of  a 
constitution  of  government,  better  calculated  than 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  289 

your  former,  for  an  intimate  union,  and  for  the  ef- 
fic  icious  management  of  your  common  concerns. 
This  government,  the  offspring  of  our  own  choice, 
uninfluenced  and  unavved  ;  adopted  upon  full  in- 
vestigation and  mature  deliberation ;  completely 
free  in  *ts  principles  ;  in  the  distribut?on  of  its  pow- 
ers uniting  security  with  energy,  and  containing 
within  itself  a  provision  for  its  own  amendments, 
has  a  just  claim  to  your  confidence  and  your  sup- 
port. Respect  for  its  authority,  compliance  with 
its  laws,  acquiescence  in  its  measures,  are  duties 
enjoined  by  the  fundamental  maxims  of  true  lib- 
erty. The  basis  of  our  political  s}Tstems  is  the 
right  of  the  people  to  make  and  to  alter  their  con- 
stitutions of  government.  But  the  constitution 
which  at  any  time  exists,  until  changed  by  an  ex- 
plicit and  authentic  act  of  the  whole  people,  is  sac- 
redly obligatory  upon  all.  The  very  idea  of  the 
power  and  the  right  of  the  people  to  establish  a 
government,  presupposes  the  duty  ot  every  indi- 
vidual to  obey  the  established  government. 

"All  obstructions  to  the  execution  of  the  laws, 
all  combinations  and  associations,  under  whatever 
plausible  character,  with  the  real  design  to  direct, 
control,  counteract,  or  awe  the  regular  delibera- 
tions and  action  of  the  constituted  authorities,  are 
destructive  of  this  fundamental  principle,  and  of 
fatal  tendency.  They  serve  to  organize  faction  ; 
to  give  it  an  artificial  and  extraordinary  force ;  to 
put  in  the  place  of  the  delegated  will  of  the  na- 
tion, the  will  of  a  pitrcy,  oltcii  a  small,  but  zjfrtful 
and  enterprising  minority  of  the  community  ;  and 
according  to  the  alternate  triumphs  of  different' 


290  THE  LIFE  OF 

parties,  to  make  the  public  administration  the 
mirror  of  the  ill  concerted  and  incongruous  proj- 
ects of  faction,  rather  than  the  organ  of  consistent 
and  wholesome  plans,  digested  by  common  coun- 
cils, and  modified  by  mutual  interests. 

"  However  combinations  or  associations  of -the 
above  description  may  now  and  then  answer  pop- 
ular  ends,  they  are  likely,  in  the  course  of  time 
and  things,  to  become  potent  engines,  by  which 
cunning,  ambitious,  and  unprincipled  men,  will 
be  enabled  to  subvert  the  power  of  the  people, 
and  to  usurp  for  themselves  the  reins  of  govern- 
ment ;  destroying  afterward  the  very  engines 
which  have  lifted  them  to  unjust  dominion. 

"  Toward  the  preservation  of  your  govern- 
ment,  and  the  permanency  of  your  present  happy- 
state,  it  is  requisite  not  only  that  you  steadily  dis- 
countenance irregular  oppositions  to  its  acknowl- 
edged authority,  but  also  that  you  resist  with  care 
the  spirit  of  innovation  upon  its  principles,  how- 
ever specious  the  pretexts.  One  method  of  as- 
sault may  be  to.  effect  in  the  forms  of  the  consti- 
tution alterations  which  will  impair  the  energy  of 
the  system,  and  thus  to  undermine  what  cannot 
be  directly  overthrown.  In  all  the  change^  to 
which  you  may  be  invited,  remember  that  time 
and  habit  are  at  least  as  necessary  to  fix  the  true 
character  of  governments,  as  of  other  human  in- 
stitutions; that  experience  is  the  surest  stand:-,  d, 
by  which  to  test  the  real  tendency  of  the  existing 
constitution  of  a  country  ;  that  facility  in  chimp,es 
upon  the  credit  of  mere  hypothesis  and  opinion, 
exposes  to  perpetual  change  from  the  endless  va- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

jyety  of  hypothesis  and  opinion ;  and  remember, 
especially,  that  for  the  efficient  management  of 
your  common  interests,  in  a  country  so  extensive 
as  ours,  a  government  of  as  much  vigour  as  is  con- 
sistent with  the  perfect  security  of  liberty,  is  in- 
dispensable. Liberty  itself  will  find  in  such  a 
government,  with  powers  properly  distributed  and 
adjusted,  its  surest  guardian.  It  is,  indeed,  little 
else  than  a  name,  where  the  government  is  too 
feeble  to  withstand  the  enterprises  of  faction,  to 
confine  each  member  of  the  society  within  the 
limits  prescribed  by  the,  laws,  and  to  maintain  all 
in  the  secure  and  tranquil  enjoyment  of  the  rights 
of  person  and  property. 

"  I  have  already  intimated  Jo  you  the  danger 
of  parties  in  the  state,  with  particular  reference^ 
to  the  founding  of  them  on  geographical  discrim- 
inations. Let  me  now  take  a  more  comprehenr 
sive  view,  and  warn  you  in  the  most  solehin  man- 
ner against  the  baneful  effects  of  the  spirit  of 
party,  generally. 

u  This  spirit,  unfortunately,  is  inseparable  from, 
our  nature,  having  its  root  in  the  strongest  pas- 
sions of  the  human  mind.  It  exists  under  differ- 
ent shapes  in  all  governments,  more  or  less  stifled*, 
controlled,  or  repressed ;  but  in  those  of  the  pop- 
ular form,  it  is  seen  in  its  greatest  rank  ness,  and  is 
truly  their  worst  enemy. 

'*  The  alternate  domination  of  one  faction  over 
another,  sharpened  by  the  spirit  of  revenge,  nat- 
ural to  party  dissension,  \vhfeh  in  different  ages 
and  countries  has  perpetrated  the  rnobt  horrid 
enormities,  is  itself  a  frightful  despotism.  But 
this  leads,  at  length  to  a  more  formal  and  perm;!- 


TilK  LIFE  OP 

Bent  despotism.  The  disorders  anc1  miseries 
Which  result,  gradually  incline  the  minds  of  men 
lo  seek  security  and  repose  in  the  absolute  power 
of  an  individual;  and  sooner  or  later  the  chief  of 
some  prevailing  faction,  more  able  or  more  fortu- 
nate than  his  competitors,  turns  this  disposition  to 
the  purposes  of  his  own  elevation,  on  the  ruins  of 
public  liberty. 

"  Without  looking  forward  to  an  extremity  of 
trb.is  kind,  which  nevertheless  ought  not  to  be  en- 
tirely out  of  sight,  the  common  and  continual  mis- 
chiefs of  the  spirit  of  party,  are  sufficient  to  make 
it  the  ink-rest  and  duty  of  a  wise  people  to  discour- 
age and  restrain  it. 

"  It  serves  always  to  distract  the  public  coun- 
cils, and  enfeeble  the  public  administration.  It 
agitates  the  community  with  ill  founded  jealousies 
and  false  alarms ;  kindles  the  animosity  of  one 
part  against  another ;  foments  occasional  riot  aicd 
insurrection.  It  opens  the  door  to  foreign  influ- 
ence and  corruption,  which  find  a  facilitated  access 
to  the  government  itself,  through  the  channels  of 
party  passions.  Thus  the  policy  and  the  will  of 
one  country,  are  subjected  to  the  policy  and  will 
of  another. 

"  There  is  an  opinion  that  parties  in  free  coun- 
tries are  useful  checks  upon  the  administration!  of 
the  government,  and  serve  to  keep  alive  the  spirit 
of  libertv.  This,  within  certain  limits,  is  proba- 
bly true  ;  and  in  governments  of  a  monarchical 
cast,  patriotism  may  look  with  indulgence,  if  not 
•with  favour,  upon  the  spirit  of  party.  But  in  those 
of  the  popular  character,  hi  governments  purely 
dective,  it  is  a  spirit  not  to  be  encouraged.  From 


WASHINGTON.  293 

their  natural  tendency,  it  is  certain  there  will  al- 
ways be  enough  of  that  spirit  for  every  salutary 
purpose.  And  there  being  constant  danger  of  ex- 
.  cess,  the  effort  ought  to  be,  by  force  of  public  opin- 
ion, to  mitigate  and  assuage  it.  A  fire  not  to  be 
quenched,  it  demands  a  uniform  vigilance  to  pre- 
vent its  bursting  into  a  flame,  lest,  instead  of  warm- 
ing, it  should  consume. 

"  It  is  important,  likewise,  that  the  habits  of 
tflinking,  in  a  free  country,  should  inspire  caution 
in  those  intrusted  with  its  administration,  to  con- 
fine themselves  within  their  respective  constitu- 
tional spheres,  avoiding  in  the  exercise  of  the  pow- 
ers of  one  department  to  encroach  upon  another. 
The  spirit  of  encroachment  tends  to  consolidate 
the  powers  of  all  the  .departments  in  one,  and  thus 
to  create,  whatever  the  form  of  government,  a  real 
despotism.  A  just  estimate  of  that  love  of  pow- 
er, and  proneness  to  abuse  it,  which  predominate 
in  the  human  heart,  is  sufficient  to  satisfy  us  of 
the  truth  of  this  position.  The  necessity  of  recip- 
rocal checks  in  the  exercise  of  political  power,  bV 
dividing  and  distributing  it  into  different  deposi- 
tories, and  constituting  each  the  guardian  of  the 
publrc  weal  against  invasions  of  the  others,  has 
Ibeen  evinced  by  experiments  ancient  and  modern ; 
some  of  them  in  our  country  and  under  our  own 
eyes.  To  preserve  them  must  be  as  necessary  as 
to  institute  them.  If,  in  the  opinion  of  the  peo- 
ple, the  distribution  or  modification  of  the  consti- 
tutional powers,  be  in  any  purticuiar  wrong,  let  it 
be  corrected  by  an  amendment  in  the  way  which 
the  constitution  designates.  But  let  there  be  no 
change  by  usurpation  ;  for  though  this,in  one  ins- 
26* 


LIFE  or 

stance,  may  be  the  instrument  of  good,  it  is  the 
customary  weapon  by  which  free  governments'arc 
destroyed.  The  precedent  must  always  greatly 
overbalance  in  permanent  evil,  any  partial  or 
transient  benefit  whicn  the  use  can  at  any  time 
yield. 

"  Of  all  the  dispositions  and  habits  which  lead 
to  political  prosperity,  religion  and  morality  are 
indispensable  supports/  In  vain  would  that  man 
claim  the  tribute  of  patriotism,  who  should  labour 
to  subvert  these  great  pillars  of  human  happiness  \ 
these  firmest  props  of  the  duties  of  men  and  citi- 
zens. The  mere  politician,  equally  with  the  pi- 
ous man,  ought  to  respect  and  to  cherish  them. 
A  volume  cow  Id  not  trace  all  their  connexions 
with  private  and  public  felicity.  Let  it  simply  be 
asked,  where  is  the  security  for  property,  for  rep- 
utation, for  life,  if  the  sense  of  religious  obligation 
desert  the  oaths,  which  are  the  instruments  of  in- 
vestigation in  courts  of  justice  ?  And  let  us  with 
eaution  indulge  the  supposition,,  that  morality  can 
be  maintained  without  religion.  Whatever  may 
be  conceded  to  the  influence  of  refined  education 
©n  minds  of  peculiar  structure,  reason  and  expe- 
rience both  forbid  us  to  expect  that  national  mo- 
rality can  prevail  in  exclusion  of  religious  princi- 
ples, 

"  It  is  substantially  true,  that  virtue  or  morali* 
ty  is  a  necessarv  spring  of  popular  government,. 
The  rule  indeed  extends  with  more  or  less  force 
to  every  species  of  free  government.  .  Who  that 
is  a  sincere  friend  to  it  can  look  with  indifference 
upon  attempts  to  shake  the  foundation  of  the  fab- 
ik? 


CECECE 

'"  Promote,  then,  as  an  object  of  primary  im- 
portance, institutions  for  the  general  diffusion  of 
knowledge.  In  proportion  as  the  structure  of  a 
government  gives  force  to  public,  opinion,  it  is 
essential  that  public  'opinron  should  be  enlight- 
ened. 

"  As  a  very  important  source  of  strength  and 
security,  cherish  public  credit.  One  method  of 
preserving  it  is  to  use  it  as  sparingly  as  possible^ 
avoiding  occasions  of  expense  by  cultivating  peace ; 
but  remembering  also,  that  timely  disbursements 
to  prepare  for  danger,  frequently  prevent  much 
greater  disbursements  to  .repel  it;  avoiding  like- 
wise the  accumulation  of  debt,  not  only*  by  shun- 
ning occasions  of  expense,,  but  by  vigorous  exer- 
tions, in  time  of  peace,  to  discharge  the  debts 
which  unavoidable  wars  may  have  occasioned,  not 
ungenerously  throwing  upon  posterity  the  burden 
which  we  ourselves  ought  to  bear."  The  execiu 
tion  of  these  maxims  belongs  to  your  representa- 
tives ;  but  it  is  necessary  that  public  opinion 
should  co-operate.  To  facilitate  to  them  the  per- 
formance of  their  duty,  it  is  essential  that  you 
should  practically  bear  in  mind,  that  toward  the 
payment  of  debts  there  must  be  revenue  ;  that  to 
have  revenue  there  must  be  taxes  ;  that  no  taxes 
can  be  dt  vised  which  are  not  more  or  less  incon- 
venient and  unpleasant ;  that  the  intrinsic  embar- 
rassment inseparable  from  the  selection  of  .the  prop- 
er objects,  which  is  always  a  choice  of  difficulties, 
ought  to  be  a  decisive  motive  for  a  candid  con- 
struction of  the  conduct  of  the  government  in  mak- 
ing it,  and  for  a  spirit  of  acquiescence  in  the  meas- 
ures for  obtaining  revenue  which  the  public 
gencies  may  at  any  time  dictate. 


THE  LIFE  0# 

"  Observe  good  faith  and  justice  toward  all  na- 
tions ;  cultivate  peace  and  harmony  with  all ;  re- 
ligion and  morality  enjoin  this  conduct  ;  and  can 
it  be  that  good  policy  does  not  equally  enjoin  it  ? 
It  will  be  worthy  of  a  free,  enlightened,  and,  at  no 
distant  period,  a  great  nation,  to  give  to  mankind 
the  magnanimous  and  too  novel  example  of  a  peo- 
ple always  guided  by  an  exalted  justice  and  be- 
nevolence. Who  can  d.oubt  that  in  the  course  of 
time  and  things  the  fruits  of  such  a  plan  would 
richly  repay  any  temporary  advantages  which 
might  be  lost  by  a  steady  adherence  to  it  ?  Can- 
it  be?  that  Providence  has  not  connected  the  per- 
manent felicity  of  a  nation  with  its  virtue  ?  The 
experiment,  at  least,  is  recommended  by  every 
sentiment  which  ennobles  human  nature.  Alas  ! 
is  it  rendered  impossible  by  its  vires  ? 

"  In  the  execution  of  such  a  plan,  nothing  is 
more  essential  than  that  permanent  inveterate  an- 
tipathies against  particular  nations,  and  passionate 
attachments  for  others,  should  be  excluded  ;  and 
that  in  place  of  them,  just  and  amicable  feelings 
toward  all  should  be  cultivated;  The  nation 
which  indulges  toward  another  an  habitual  hatred, 
or  an  habitual  fondness,  is  in  some  degree  a  slave* 
It  is  a  slave  to  its  animosity  or  to  its  affection, 
either  of  which  is  sufficient  to  lead  it  astray  from 
its  duty  and  its  interest.  Antipathy  in  one  na- 
tion against  another,  disposes  each  more  readily 
to  ofll-r  insult  and  injury,  to  lay  hold  of  slight 
causes  of  umbra^evand  to  be  haughty  and  intrac- 
table, when  accidental  or  trifling  occasions  of  dis- 
pute occur. 

"  Hence  frequent  collisions,  obstinate,  envenom*- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  297 

ed  and  bloody  contests.  The  nation,  prompted 
by  ill  will  and  resentment,  sometimes  impels  to 
war  the  government,  contrary  to  the  best  calcula- 
tions of  policy.  The  government  sometimes  par- 
ticipates in  the  national  propensity,  and  adopts 
through  passion,  what  reason  would  reject;  at  oth- 
er times,  it  makes  the  animosity  of  the  nation  sub- 
servient to  projects  of  hostility  Instigated  by  pride, 
ambition,  and  other  sinister  and  pernicious  mo- 
tives. The  peace  often,  sometimes  perhaps  the 
libertv  of  nations,  has  been  the  victim. 

"  So,  likewise,  a  passionate  attachment  of  one 
nation  for  another,  produces  a  variety  of  evils. 
Sympathy  for  the  favourite  nation,  facilitating  the 
illusion  of  an  imaginary  common  interest  in  eases 
where  no  real  common  interest  exists,  and  infus- 
ing into  one  the  enmities  of  the  other,  betrays  the 
former  into  a  participation  in  the  quarrels  and  wars 
of  the  latter,  without  adequate  inducements  or  jus- 
tification. It  leads  also  to  concessions  to  the  fa- 
vour,te  nation,  of  privileges  denied  to  others,  which 
are  apt  doubly,  to  injure  the  nation  making  the 
concessions,  by  unnecessarily  parting  with  what 
ought  to,  have  been  retained  ;  and  by  exciting  jeal- 
ousy,'ill  will,  and  a  disposition  to  retaliate,  in  the 
parties  from  whom  equal  privileges  are  w.lhheld  ; 
and  it  gives  to  ambitious,  corrupted,  or  deluded 
cit-zens,  wfeo  devote  themselves  to  the  favourite 
nat'-on,  facii.ty  to  betray,  or  sacr'fice  the  interests 
of  their  own  country,  without  fxburti*  sometimes 
even  with  popularity  ;  gikhng  with  the  appt'uratt>. 
ces  of  a  virtuous  sense  of  obligation  a  commernfe** 
bit;  deference  tor  public  op.nion,or  a  laudable  zeal 


THE  LIFE  OF 

for  public  good,  the  base  or  foolish  compliances 
of  amb't'on,  corruption,  or  infatuation. 

"  As  avenues  to  foreign  influence  i#  innumera- 
ble ways,  such  attachments  are  particularly  alarm- 
ing to  the  truly  enlightened  and  independent  pat- 
riot. How  many  opportunities  do  they  afford  to 
tamper  with  domestic  factions,  to  practise  the  arts 
of  seduct-on,  to  mislead  public  op mon,  to  influ- 
ence or  awe  the  public  councils  !  Such  an  attach- 
ment of  a  small  or  weak,  toward  a  great  and  pow- 
erful nation,  dooms  the  former  to  be  the  satellite 
of  the  latter.  Against  the  insidious  wiles  of  for- 
eign influence,  I  conj ure  you  to  beLeve  me,  fellow- 
citizens,  the  jealousy  of  a  free  people  ought  to  be 
constantly  awake  ;  since  history  and  experience 
prove  that  foreign  influence  is  one  of  the  most 
baneful  foes  of  republican  government.  But  that 
jealousy,  to  be  useful,  must  be  impartial ;  else  it 
becomes  the  instrument  of  the  very  influence  to- 
be  avoided,  instead  of  a  defence  against  it.  Ex- 
cessive partiality  for  one  foreign  nation,  and  ex- 
cessive dislike  of  another,  cause  those  whom  they 
actuate  to  see  danger  only  on  one  side,  and  serve 
to  veil  and  even  second  the  arts  of -influence  on 
the  other.  Real  patriots,  who  may  resist  the  in- 
trigues of  the  favourite,  are  liable  to  become  sus- 
pected and  odious  ;  while  its  tools  and  dupes  usurp 
the  applause  and  confidence  of  the  people,  to  sur- 
render their  interests. 

"  The  great  rule  of  conduct  for  us,  in  regard  to 
foreign  nations,  is,  in  extending  our  commercial 
relations,  to  have  with  them  as  little  political  con- 
nexion as  possible.  So  far  as  we  have  already- 


«EORGE  W.-VSIliXGTON. 

formed  engagements,  let  them  be  fulfilled  with  per- 
fect good  faith.      Here  let  as  stop. 

"  Europe  has  a  set  of  primary  interests,  which 
to  us  have  none,  or  a  very  remote,  relation.  Henee 
she  must  be  engaged  in  frequent  controversies, 
the  causes  of  which  are  essentially  foreign  to  our 
concerns.  Hence,  therefore,  it-must  be  unwise  in 
us  to  implicate  ourselves  by  artificial  ties,  in  the 
ordinary  vicissitudes  of  her  politics,  or  the  ordina- 
ry combinations  and  collisions  of  her  friendships 
or  enmities. 

"  Our  detached  and  distant  situation,  invites 
and  enables  us-  to  pursue  a  different  course.  If 
we  remain  one  people,  under  an  efficient  govern- 
ment, the  peri'od  is  not  far  off,  when  we  may  defy 
material  injury  from  external  annoyance  ;  .when 
we  may  take  such  an  attitude  as  will  cause  the 
neutrality  we  may  at  any  time  resolve  upon,  to 
be  scrupulously  respected  ;  when  belligerent  na- 
tions, under  the  impossibility  of  n Baking  acquisi- 
tions upon  us,  will  not  Tightly  hazard  the  giving 
us  provocation  ;  when  we  may  choose  peace  or 
war,  as,pur  interest,  guided  by  justice,  shall  coun- 
sel.- 

"  Why  forego  the  advantages  of  so  peculiar  a 

situation  ?    Why  quit  our  own  to  stand  upon  for- 

•c:gn  ground  ?  Why,  by  interweaving  our  des'uny 

I  with   that  of  any  part  of  Europe,   entangle  our 

I  peace  and  prosperity  in  the  toils  of  European  am- 

j  bition,  rivalship,  interest,  humour,  or  caprice  ? 

"  It  is  our  true  policy  to   steer  clear  of  perma- 
nent  alliances    with   any    portion   of  the  foreign 
|  world  ;  so  fan,  I  mean,  as  we  are  now  at  lihertv  to 
!'  do  it ;  for  let  me  not  be  understood  as  capable  of 


300  THE  LIFE  OP 

patronizing  infidelity  to  existing  engagements.  I 
hold  the  maxim  no  less  applicable  to  public  than 
to  private  affairs,  that  honesty  is  always  the  best 
policy.  I  repeat  it,  therefore*  let  those  engage- 
ments be  observed  in  their  genuine  sense.  But 
in  my  opinion,  it  is  unnecessary,  and  would  be  un- 
wise, to  extend  them. 

"  Taking  care  always  to  keep  ourselves,  by 
suitable  establishments-,  on  a  respectable  defensive 
posture,  we  may  safely  trust  to  temporary  allian- 
ces for  extraordinary  "emergencies. 

"  Harmony,  and  a  liberal  intercourse  with  all 
nations,  are  recommended  by  policy,  humanity, 
and  interest.  But  even  our  commercial  policy 
should  hold  an  equal  and  impartial  hand  ;  neither 
seeking  nor  granting  exclusive  favours  or  prefer- 
ences ;  consulting  the  natural  course  of  things  ; 
diffusing  and  diversifying  by  gentle  means,  the 
streams  of  commerce,  but  forcing  nothing  ;  estab- 
lishing; with  powers  so  disposed  ;  in  order  to  give 
trade  a  stable- course,  to  ckiine  the  rights  of  our 
merchants,  and  to  enable  the  government  to  sup- 
port them  ;  conventional  rules  of  intercourse,  the 
best  tint  present  circu instances  and  mutual  opin- 
ion will  permit,  but  temporary,  and  liable  to  be 
from  time  to  time  abandoned  or  varied,  as  experi- 
ence and  circumstances  shall  dictate  ;  constantly 
keeping  hi"  view,  that  it  is  folly  in  one  nation  to 
look  for  disinterested  favours  from  another;  that 
it  must  pay  with  a  portion  of  its  independence  for 
whatever  it  may  accept  under  that  character ;  that 
by  such  acceptance,  it  rruiy  place  itself  in  the  con- 
dition of  h  tving  given  equivalents  for  nominal  fa- 
vours, and  yet  of  being  reproached  with  ingrati- 


r.KORGR  V/ASHIXGTON.  ' 

tucle  for  not  giving  more.  There  can  be  no  great- 
er error  than  to  expect  or  calculate  upon  real  fa- 
vours from  nation  to  nation.  It  is  an  illusion  which 
experience  must  cure,  which  a  jiist  pride  ought 
to  discard. 

"  In  offering  to  you,  my  countrymen,  these 
counsels  of  an  old  and  affectionate  friend,  I  dare 
not  hope  they  will  make  the  strong  and  listing  im- 
pression I  could  wish  ;  that  they  wul  control  the 
usual  current  of  the  passions,  or  prevent  our  na- 
tion from  running  the  course  which  has  hitherto 
marked  the  destiny  of  nations.  But  if  I  may  ev- 
en nVtter  myself,  that  they  may  be  productive  of 
some  partial  benefit,  some  occasional  good  ;  that 
they  may  now  and  then  recur  to  moderate  the  fury 
of  party  spirit ;  to  warn  against  the  mischiefs  of 
foreign  intrigue  ;  to  guard  against  the  impostures 
of  pretended  patriotism  ;  this  hope  will  be  a  full 
recompense  for  the  solicitude  for  your  welfare,  by 
which  they  have  been  dictated. 

"  How  far,  in  the^  discharge  of  my  official  du- 
ties, I  have  been  guided  bv  the  principles  which 
have  been  delineated,  the  public  records  and  other 
evidences  of  my  conduct  must  witness  to  you  and 
to  the  world.  To  ipyseif,  the  assurance  of  my 
own  conscience  is,  that  I  have  at  least  believed  my- 
self to  be  guided  by  them. 

"  In  relation  to  the  still  subsisting  war  in  Eu- 
rope, my  proclamation  of  the  2^d.  of  April,  1793, 
is  the  index  to  my  plan.  Sanctioned  by  your  ap- 
proving voice,  and  by  that  of  your  representatives 
in  boui  houses  of  Congress,  the  spirit  of  that  meas- 
ure h:i*o  continually  governed  me;'  uninfluenced'hy 
any  attempts  to  deter  or  divert  me  from  it. 
27 


THE  LIFE  OF 

"  After  deliberate  examination,  with  the  aid  of 
the  bi-ai  lights  I  could  obtain,  I  was  well  bat. -lied 
thai  cur  'country,  under  ail  the  circumstances  of 
the  cat»e,  had  a  right  to  take,  and  wa  Abound  in  du- 
ty arid  interest  to  take,  a  neutral  position.  Having 
take,  n  it,  I  determined,  as  far  as  should  depei id  up- 
on me,  to  maintain  it  with  moderation,  persever- 
ance, and  firmness. 

"  The  considerations  which  respect  the  right  to 
hole!  this  conduct,  it  is  not  necessary  on  this  occa- 
sion to  detail.  1  will  oi'ih  observe,  that  according 
to  liiy  understanding  of  the  matter,  that  right,  so 
far  Jroni  being  denied  by  any  of  the  belligerent 
powers,  has  been  virtually  admitted  by  all. 

"  The  duty  of  holding  a  neutral  conduct  may  be 
inferred,  without  any  thing  more,  from  the  obli- 
gation which  justice  and  humanity  impose  on  ev- 
ery nation,  in  ease,s  in  which  it  is  free  to  act,  to 
maintain  inviolate  the  relations  of  peace  and  amity 
toward  other  nations. 

"  The  inducements  of  Interest  for  observing 
that  conduct  will  best  be  referred  to  your  own  re- 
.flections  and  experience.  With  me,  a  predomi- 
nant motive  has  been  to  endeavour  to  gain  time  to 
our  country  to  settle  and  mature  its  yet  recent  in- 
stitutions, and  to  progress,  without  interruption, 
to  that  degree  of  strength  and  consistency,  which 
is  uectssaiy  to  give  ir,  humanly  speaking,  the  com- 
mand ol  irs  owi.  iortimes. 

"  1  hough  in  reviewing  the  incidents  cf  my  ad- 
m'mistratior',  I  am  unconscious  of  intemioucu  »  r- 
ror  ;  1  am  nevertheless  too  sensible  of  my  delects 
not  to  think  it  probable  that  I  may  huve  eon  tr.it- 
ted  many  errors.  Whatever  ihey  may  be,  I  Icr- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON, 


308 


vently  beseech  the  Almighty  to  avert  or  mitigate 
the  evils  to  which  they  may  tend.  I  shall  also 
carry  with  me  the  hope  that  my  country  will  never 
cease  to  view  them  with  indulgence  ;  and  that  af- 
ter forty  five  years  of  my  life  dedicated  to  its  ser- 
vice, with  an  upright  zeal,  the  faults  of  incompe- 
tent abilities  will  be  consigned  to  oblivion,  as  my- 

*  self  must  soon  be  to  the  mansions  of  rest. 

u  Relying  on  its  kindness  in  this  as  in  othes 
things,  and  actuated  by  that  fervent  love  toward  it, 
which  is  so  natural  to  a  man  who  views  in  it  the 
native  soil  of  himself  and  his  progenitors  for  sev- 
eral generations  ;  I  anticipate  with  pleasing  expec- 
tation that  retreat,  in  which  I  promise  myself  to 
realize,  without  alloy,  the  sweet  enjoyment  of  par- 
taking, in  the  midst  of  my  fellowcitizens,  the  be- 
nign influence  of  good  laws  under  a  free  govern- 
ment'; the  ever  favourite  object  of  my  heart,  and 
the  happy  reward,  as  I  trust,  of  our  mutual  cares, 
labours,  and  dangers. 

ct  United  States,  Sept.  17,  1796." 

This  valedictory  address  of  the  father  of  'his 
country,  was  received  in  every  part  of  the  union 
with  the  most  unbounded  veneration,  and  record- 
ed with  the  most  pointed  respect.  Shortly  after, 

•  the  president,  for  the  lust  time,  met   the  national 
legislature  in  the  senate  chamber.     His  address  en 
the  occasion  was  highly  dignified.     lie  congratu- 
lated  Congress  on   the   internal   situation  oi  the 
United  States  ;  on  the  progress  which  had  been 
UK;  Je  for  preserving  peace  with   the   Indi.-ms,  and 
meliorating  their  condition  ;  and,  after  stating  the 
measures  which  had  been  adopted  in  execution  of 
the  treaties  with  Britain,  Spain,  and  Algiers,  and 


304 


THE  LIFE  OF 


the  negotiations  which  were  pending  with  Tunis 
and  Tripoli,  he  observed  ;  4C  To  an  active  exter- 
nal commerce,  the  protection  of  a  naval  force  is  in- 
dibj  (  r.sable.  This  is  manifest  with  regard  to  wars 
in  v,-M"h  a  state  is  itself  a  party.  But  beside  tins, 
it  is  Ji-!  our  own  experience,  that  the  most  sincere 
neutrality Js  not  a  sufficient  guard  against  the  dep-  . 
redations  of  nations  at  war.  To  secure  respect  to 
a  neutral  flag  requires  a.  naval  force,  organized 
and  ready  to  vindicate  it  from  insult  or  aggression. 
This  may  even  pi  event  the  necessity  ol  going  to 
war,  by  discouraging  belligerent  powers frcm  com- 
muting such  vkv.;i'ons  oi  the  rights  of. the  neutral 
pajty,  as  may  first  or  last  leave  no  other  option. 
From  the  best  information;!  have  been  able  to  ob- 
tain, it  would  stem  as  if  onr  trade  to  the  Mcdicer- 
:an,  without  a  pro  Acting  -icier,  will  always  be 
insecure,  '-IK!  our  cuizt-us  exposed  to  the  calami- 
ties from  winch  numbers  of  thtm  have  but  just 
been  relieved,  is 

"  These  considerations  invite  the  United  States 
to  iook  to  the  means,  and  to  set  about  the  gradu- 
al creation,  of  H  navy.  The  increasing  progress  of 
their  navigation,  promises  them  at  no  distant  peri- 
od, the  requisite  supply  oi  .seamen,  and  their  means 
in  other  respects,  favour  the  undertaking.  It  is  * 
an  encouragement  likewise,  that  their  particular 
situation  will  give  weight  and  influence  to  a  mod- 
erate naval  force  in  their  hands.  Will  it  not  then 
be  adviseable  to  begin  without  delay,  to  provide 
and  lay  up  the  materials  for  the  building  and  equip- 
ping of  ships  of  war,  and  to  proceed  in  tfv  wcrk 
by  degrees,  in  proportion  as  our  resources  bhall 
vender  it  practicable,  without  inconvenience  ;  so 


•          GEORGfc  WASHINGTON.  305 

that  a  future  war  of  E«i~op.  nviy  not  find-our  com- 
meroe  in  the  same  unprotected  state  in  svhicfi  it 
was  found  by  the  present  ?" 

Hr  then  recommended  the  establishment  of  na- 
tional works  for  manufacturing  ainpiernetus  of  r'e- 
fence  ;  of  an  institution  for  the  improvement  of 
agriculture  ;  and  pointed  outv  the  advantages  of  a 
military  academy;  of  a  national  university;  and 
tlv  necessity  of  augmenting  the  salaries  of  the  of- 
ficers of  the  United  States. 

In  respect  to  the  disputes  with  France,  he  ob- 
served ;  "  While  in  our  external  relations  some 
serious  inconveniences  and  embarrassments  have 
been  overcome,  and  others  lessenedj>it  is  with 
much  pain  and  deep  regret  I  mention,  that  cir- 
cumstances 6f  a  very  unwelcome  nature  have  late- 
ly occurred.  Our  trade  has  suffered,  arid  is  suf- 
fering, extensive  injuries  in  the  West  Indies,  from 
the  cruisers  and  agents  of  the  French  republic  ; 
and  communications  have  be.'  n  received  from  its 
minister  here,  which  indicate  .ie  danger  of  a  fur- 
ther  disturbance  of  our  commerce  by  its  authority  ; 
and  which  are  in  other  respects  far  from  agreea- 
ble. 

"  It  has  been  my  constant,  sincere,  and  earnest 
wish,  in  conformity  with  that  of  our  nation,  to 
maintain  cordial  harmony,  and  a  perfectly  friei»d- 
ly  understanding  with  that  republic.  This  wish 
remains  unabated,  and  I  shall  persevere  in  the  en- 
deavour to  fulfil  it,  to  the  utmost  extent  ot  what 
shall  be  consistent  with  a  just  an-l  indispensable 
regard  to  the  rights  and  honour  of  our  country  ; 
nor  will  I  easily  cease  to  cheiish  the  expectation, 
that  a  spirit  of  justice,  candour,  and  friendship,  on, 
27* 


306  THE  LIFE  Or'  • 

the  part  of  the  republic,  will  eventually  ensure  suc- 
cess. 

44  In  pursuing  this  course,  however,  I  cannot 
forget  what  is  due  to  the  character  of  our  govern- 
ment and  nation,  or  to  a  full  and  entire  confidence 
in  'he  good  sense,  patriotism,  self  respect,  and  for- 
titude of  my  countrymen." 

This  address  was  concluded  in  the  following 
pathetic  terms ; 

"  The  situation  in  which  I  now  stand  for  the  last 
time,  in  the  midst  of  the  representatives  of  the  peo- 
ple of  the  United  States,  naturally  recalls  the  peri- 
od when  the  administration  of  the  present  form  of 
government  commenced  \  and  I  cannot  omit  the 
occasion  to  congratulate  you  and  my  country  on 
the  success  of  the  experiment,  nor  to  repeat  my 
fervent  supplications  to  the  Supreme  Ruler  of  the 
universe,  and  sovereign  arbiter  of  nations,  that  his 
providential  care  may  still  be  extended  to  the  Unit- 
ed  States  ;.  that  the  virtue  and  happiness  oi  the 
people  may  be  preserved  ;  and  that  the  govern- 
in  ti  it  which  they  have  instituted  for  the  protection 
of  their  liberties  may  be  perpetual." 


liEOUGE  WASHINGTON.  307 


CHAPTER   XIII, 


Washington  rejoices  at  the  prospect  of  retiring Writes  to  the  Secre- 
tary of  State,  denying  the  authenticity  of  letters  said  to  be  from  him 

to  J.  P.  Custis  and   Lund  Washington,  in  1776 Pays  respect  to  his 

successor,  Mr.  John  Adams lie  view  of  Washington's  administration'- 

He  retires  to  Mount  Vernon llesames  agricultural  pursuits  ..  .Hears 

with  regret  the  aggression  of  the  French  republic.  ...Corresponds  on 
the  subject  of  his  taking  the  command  of  an  army  to  oppose  the 

French  ...  Is  appointed  .Lieutenant  General His  commission  is  sent 

to  him  by  the  Secretary  of  War His  letter  to  President  Adams  on 

the  receipt  thereof.... .Directs  ihe  organization  of  the  proposed  arrr.y. 
Three  Envoys  Extraordinary  sent  to  France,  who  adjust  ail  disputes 
•with  Bon  -pjtrte,  after  the  overthrow  of  the  Directory Gen.  Wash- 
ington dies — Is  honoured  by  Congress,  and  by  the  citizens His 

character. 


THV.  pleasin Demotions  which  are  excited  in  ordina- 
ry men  on  their  acquisition  of  power,  weiv  i;  i^ri- 
or  co  those  which  Washington  teli  on  the  re.-^  ra- 
tion of  it.  To  ins  tried  .friend,  Gen.  Knox,  on  the 
day  preceding  the  termination  of  nib  office,  nc  ob- 
served in  a  inter  ;  "  To  the  vveai  y  traveller  who 
resting  place,  di»d  is  bending  lus  bodv  thtve- 
,  I  now  compare  myself.  Although  the  pros- 


308  THE  LIFfi  OF 

pect  of  retirement  is  most  grateful  to  my  soul,  and 
I  hive  not  a  wish  to  mix  again  i«  the  gre44-  \vu:  id, 
or  to  partake  in  its  politics,  yet  I  am  not  without 
relict  at  parting  with,  perhaps  never  more  to  meet, 
the  few  intimates  whom  I  love.  A  Dong  these  be 
assured  vou  are  one." 

The  numerous  calumnies  of  which  Washington 
was  the  subject,  drew  from  him  no  public  anhiiad- 
vers'ons,  except  in  one  case.  A  volume  of  let- 
ters, said  to  be  from  Gen.  Washington  to  John 
Parke  Custis  and  Lund  Washington,  were  pub- 
lished by  the  British,  in  the  year  1776,  and  were 
given  to  the  public  as  being  found  in  a  small  port- 
manteau, left  m  the  care  of  his  servant,  who  it  was 
said  by  the  editors,  had  been  taken  prisoner  in 
Fort  Lee.  These  letters  were  intended  to  produce 
in  the  public  miad,  impressions  unfuvour  ible  to 
the  integrity  of  Washington's  motives,  and  to  rep- 
resent hib  inclinations  as  at  variance  with  his  pro- 
fession and  duty.  A  hen  the  first  edition  of  these 
spurious  letters  was  forgotten,  they  were  repub- 
lishcd  during  Washington's  civil  administration,' 
by  some  of  his  fellovvcltizens  who  differed -i;  on 
him  in  politics.  On  the  morning  of  the  last' day 
of  his  p5V>Ulen£.y,  he  addressed  a  letter  to  the  Sec- 
retary >i"  State,  in  which,  after  enumerating  all  the 
farts  and  dates  connected  with  the  forgery,  mid 
declaring  that  he  had  hitherto  deemed  it  unneces- 
sary to  take  any  ^formal  notice  of  the  imposition, 
he  concluded  as  follows  ;  "  But  as  I  cannot  know 
huv  soon  a  more  serious  event  may  SM;:C-  c  d  to 
that  which  will  this  day  take  place,  I  nave  thought 
it  a  duty  that  I  owed  to  myself,  to  my  country, 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  309 

and  to  truth,  now  to  detail  the  circumstances  above 
recited,  and  to  add  my  solemn  declaration,  that  the 

|  letters  herein  described,  are  a  base  forgery  ;  and 
that  I  never  saw  or  heard  of  them  until  they  ap- 
peared in  print.  The  present  letter  I  commit  to 
your  care,  and  desire  it  may  be  deposited  in  the 
office  of  the  department  of  state,- as  a  testimony 
of  the  truth  to  the  present  generation  and  to  pos- 
terity." 

The  moment  now  approached  which  was  to  ter- 
minate the  official  character  of  -Washington,  and 
in  which  that  of  his  successor,  John 'Adams,  was 
to  commence.  The  old  and  new  president  walk- 
ed in  together  to  the  House  of  Representatives, 
where  the  oath  of  office  was  ado -/mistered  to  the 
latter.  On  this  occasion  Mr.  VJaras  concluded 
an  impressive  speech  vuh  a  ,o  co'apli- 

^  merit  to  his  prcdeccsw,  Uy  ubs^rvi^g,  r.U:;t  though 
he  was  about  to  retire,  "  his  name  may  still  be  a 
rampart,  and  the  knowledge  that  he  lives  a  bul- 
wark against  all  open  or  secret  enemies  of  his 
country." 

^  The  immense  concourse  of  citizens  who  were 
present,  gjzed  with  ipve  and  affection  on  the  re- 
tiring'Washington,  while  cheerfulness  overspreadj 
his  countenance  and  jv^y  iilk-d  iii.s  heart,  on  seeing 
another  invested  with  the  Hp,;h  authorities  he  so 
long,  t  xerciscd,  and  the  way  opened  for  hi;-,  re i urn- 
ing-  to  the  long  wished  for  happiness  of  c! -.^n-stic 
priviii'e  life.  Alter  paying  hib  most  :'  >ul 

compliments  to  the  ntw.  pivshl.  i    ,  h    sK  on    ior 
Mount  Wmon,  tho  srt'iu.  of  ti  •   ;    •  ;  i<  h  .ie 

pixicrred  to  all  ottiers.     His  vvibhcs  ».o  travel  pri- 


310  THS  LIFE  OF 

vately  were  in  vain  ;  for  wherever  he  ptissed,  the 
gentlemen  of  the  couoiry  took  every  occasion  of 
testifying  their  respect  for  him.  In  his  retire- 
ment he  continued  to  receive  the  mos-  fluttering 
addresses  from  legislative  bodies,  and  various  class- 
es of  his  f -jllowcitizcns. 

During  the  eight  years  ad ministration  of  Wash-, 
ingion,  the  United  States  enjoyed  -prosperity  and 
happiness  at  home  ;  and,  by  the  energ)  of  the  gov- 
ernment, regained  among  foreigners  that  impor- 
tance and  reputation,  which,  by  its  weakness,  they 
had  lost.  The  debts  contracted  in  the  revolu- 
tionary war,  which,  from  the  imbecility  of  the  old 
government,  hid  depreciated  to  an  insignificant 
sum,  were  funded;  and  such  ample- revenues  pro- 
\\  Kd  for  the  payment  of  the  interest  and  the  grad- 
ual extinction  of  the  principal,  that  their  real  and 
nominal  value  were  in  a  little  time  nearly  the  same. 
The  government  was  so  firmly  established  as  to 
be  cheerfully  and  universally  obeyed.  The  only 
execpiion  was  an  insurrection  in  the  western  coun- 
ties of  Pennsylvania,  which  was  quelled  without 
bloodshed.  Agriculture  and  commerce  were  ex- 
tended f.ir  beyond  what  had  ever  before  taken 
place.  The  Indians  on  the  frontiers  had  been 
first  compelled  by  force  to  respect  the  United 
Suites,  and  to  continue  in  peace  ;  and  afterward  a 
burriune  system  was  c.om^enced  ibr  teaching  the  in- 
to exchange  the  tomahawk  and  hatchet  for  the 
plough,  the  hoe,  the  shuttle,  and  the  spinningwheel; 
Ti. :.  free  navigation  of  the  Missisippi  h:irl  b;:en  ac- 
qniivrl  \vjvh  t;»e  consent  of  Spain,  and  ali  diflereii- 
ees  comproirascd  with  that  power.  The  military 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  311 

posts  which  had  been  long  held  by  Britain  within 
the'  United  States,  were  peaceably  given  up.  The 
Mediterranean  was  opened  to  American  vessels  in 
consequence  of  treaties  made  with  the  Barbary 
powers.  1  deed,  differences  with  all  powers,  eith- 
er contiguous  to  or  connected  with  the  United 
States,  had  been  amicably  adjusted,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  France.  To  accomplish  this*ery  de- 
sirable object,  Washington  made  repeated  advan- 
ces ;  but  it  could  not  be  obtained  without  surren- 
dering the  independence  of  the  nation,  and  its  right 
of  stir'  government. 

Washington,  on  returning  to  Mount  Vernon, 
resumed  agricultural  'pursuits.  These,  with  the 
society  of  men  and  books,  gave  to  every  hour  in- 
nocent and  interesting  employment,  and  promised 
a  serene  evening  of  his  life.  Though  he  wished 
to  withdraw  not  only  from  public  office,  but  from 
all  anxiety  respecting  public  affairs,  yet  he  telnoo 
much  for  his  country  to  be  indifferent  to  its  inter- 
ests. He  heard  with  regret  the  repeated  insults 
offered  by  the  French  Directory  to  the  Uniud 
States,  in  the  person  of  their  ministers,  and  the  in- 
jury done  to  their  commerce  by  illegal  captures 
ot  their  vessel^.  These  indignities  and  it. Junes, 
ailcr  a  long  endurance  and  a  rejection  of  all  advan~ 
cos  for  an  accommodation,  at  length  roused  the 
government,  in  the  hands  of  Mr.  Adams,  v.oa<'  pt 
rigorous  measures.  To  be  in  readiness  to  i  I 
a  threatened  invasion,  Congress  authoiized  tin  r- 
niaiiun  of  a  regular  army.  As-  soon  as  the  ;.  •)- 
tio:i  oi  this  measure  was  probable,  the  eyes  oi  11 
were  once  more  turned  on  Washington  as  the 


312  TUP,  UFK  OF 

most  suitable  person  to  be  at  its  head.     Letters 
from  his  friends  poured  in  upon  him,  urging  that 
he   should  accept  the  command.     To  one  from 
president  Ada  ins,  in  which  it  was  observed  ;  "  We 
must  have  your  name  if  you  will  in  ai;y  case  per- 
mit us  to  use  it  ;  there  will  be  more  efficacy  in  it, 
than  in  many  an  army."     Washington  replied  as 
follows  *  "  At  the  epoch  of  my  retirement,  an  in- 
vasion of  these  states  oy  any  European  power,  or 
even  the  probability  of  such  an  event  in  my  days, 
was  so  far  from  being  contemplated  by  me,  that  I 
had  no  conception  either  that,  or  any  other  occur- 
rence, would  airive  in   so  short  a  period,  which 
could  turn  my  eyes   from  the  shades  of  Mount 
Vtrnon.     But  this  seems  to  be  the  age  of  won- 
ders ;  and  it  is  reserved  for  intoxicated  and  law- 
less France,  for  purposes  far  beyond  the  reach  of 
human  ken,  to  slaughter  her  own  citizens,  and  to 
disturb  the  repose  of  all  the  world  beside.     From 
a  view  of  the  past ;  from  the  prospect  of  the  pres- 
ent ;  and  of  that  which  setms  to  be  expected,  it 
is  not  easy  for   me  to  decide  satisfactorily  on  the 
pan  it  might  best  become  me  to  act.     In  'case  of 
actual  invasion  by  a  formidable  force,  I   certainly1 
should  not  intrench  myself  under  the  cover  of  age 
and  retirement,  if  my  services  should  be  rujui.-vd 
by    my  country  to  assist  in  repelling  it.      And  if 
there  be  good  cause   to  expect  such   an  event, 
which  certainly  must  be  better  known  to  the  gov- 
ernment than  to  private  citizens,  delay  in  prepar- 
ing for  it  niuy  be  dangerous,  improper,  and  not  to 
Ix  :  by  prudence.     1  'he  uncertainty,  how- 

ever, of  the  latter,  in  my  mind,  creates  my  em- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  313 

barrassment ;  for  I  cannot  bring  it  to  believe,  re- 
gardless  as  the  French  are  of  treaties  and  of  the 
laws  of  nations,  and  capable  as  I  conceive  them  to 
be  of  any  species  of  despotism  and  injustice,  that 
they  will  attempt  to  invade  this  country,  after  such 
a  uniform  and  unequivocal  expression  of  the  de- 
termination of  the  people  in  all  parts  to  oppose 
them  with  their  lives  and  fortunes.  That  they 
have  been  led  to  believe  by  their  agents  and  par- 
tisans among  us,  that  we  are  a  divided  people ; 
that  the  latter  are  opposed  to  their  own  govern- 
ment ;  and  that  the  show  of  a  small  force  would 
occasion  a  revolt,  I  have  no  doubt ;  and  how  far 
these  men,  grown  desperate,  will  further  attempt 
to  deceive,  and  may  succeed  in  keeping  up  the  de- 
ception, is  problematical.  Without  that,  the  folly 
of  the  Directory  in  such  an  attempt  would,  I  con- 
ceive, be  more  conspicuous,  if  possible,  than  their 
wickedness. 

44  Having  with  candour  made  this  disclosure  of 
the  state  of  my  mind,  it  remains  only  for  me  to 
add,  that  to  thoye  who  know  me  best'  it  is  best 
known,  that  should  imperious  circumstances  in- 
duce me  to  exchange  once  more  the  smooth  paths 
of  retirement  for  the  thorny  ways  of  public  life,  at 
a  period  too  when  repose  is  more  congenial  to  na- 
ture, that  it  would  be  productive  of  sensations 
which  can  be  more  easily  conceived  than  express- ' 
ed." 

To  the  Secretary  of  War,  writing  on  the  same 
subject,  Washington  replied  ;  <4  It  cannot  be  nec- 
essary for  me  to  premise  to  you,  or  to  others  \vho 
know  my  sentiments,  that  to  quit  the  tranquillity 
of  retirement,  <uid  cuter  the  boundless  field  of  re- 
23 


314 


THE  LIFE  OF 


sponsibility,  would  be  productive  of  sensations 
which  a  better  pen  than  I  possess  would  find  it 
difficult  to  describe.  Nevertheless,  the  principle 
by  which  my  conduct  has  been  actuated  through 
life,  would  not  suffer  me,  in  any  great  emergency, 
to  withhold  any  services  I  could  render  when  re- 
quired by  my  country  ;  especially  in  a  case  where 
its  dearest  rights  are  assailed  by  lawless  ambition 
and  intoxicated  power,  in  contempt  of  every  prin- 
ciple of  justice,  and  in  violation  of  solemn  com- 
pact, and  of  laws  which  govern  all  civilized  na- 
tions ;  and  this  too  with  the  obvious  intent  to  sow 
thick  the  seeds  of  disunion,  for  the  purpose  of  sub- 
jugating our  government,  and  destroying  our  in- 
dependence and  happiness. 

"  Under  circumstances  like  these,  accompanied 
by  an  actual  invasion  of  our  territory,  it  would  be 
difficult  for  me  at  any  time  to  remain  an  idle  spec- 
tator, under  the  plea  of  age  or  retirement.  With 
sorrow,  it  is  true,  I  should  quit  the  shades  of  my 
peaceful  abode,  and  the  ease  and  happiness  I  now 
enjov,  to  encounter  anew  the  turmoils  of  war,  to 
which  possibly  ray  strength  and  powers  might  be 
found  incompetent.  These,  however,  should  not 
be  stumbling  blocks  in  my  own  way." 

President  Adams  nominated  Washington  with 
the  rank  of  Lieutenant  General,  to  the  chief  com- 
mand of  all  the  armies  raised  and  to  be  raised  in 
the  United  States.  His  commission  was  sent  to 
him  by  Mr.  M 'Henry,  the  Secretary  of  War,  who 
was  directed  to  repair  to  Mount  Vernon,  and  to 
confer  on  the  arrangements  of  the  new  army  with 
its  commander  in  chief.  To  the  letter  which  pres- 
ident Adams  sent  with  the  commission  by  the 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

Secretary  of  War,  Washington,  in  two  days,  re- 
plied as  follows ; 

"  I  had  the  honour,  on  the  evening  of  the  llth. 
instant,  to  receive  from  the  hand  of  the  Secretary 
of  War,  your  favour  of  the  7th.  announcing  that 
you  had,  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Sen- 
ate, appointed  me  '  Lieutenant  General  and  Com- 
mander in  Chief,  of  all  the  armies«raised,  or  to  be 
raised,  for  the  service  of  the  United  States.' 

"  I  cannot  express  how  greatly  affected  I  am  at 
this  new  proof  of  public  confidence,  and  the  high- 
ly flattering  manner  in  which  you  have  been  pleas- 
ed to  make  the  communication.  At  the  same  time 
I  must  not  conceal  from  you  my  earnest  wish,  that 
the  choice  had  fallen  upon  a  man  less  declined,  in 
years,  and  better  qualified  to  encounter  the  usual 
vicissitudes-  of  war. 

"  You  know,  sir,  what  calculation  I  had  made 
relative  to  the  probable  course  of  events,  on  my 
retiring  from  office,  and  the  determination  I  had 
consoled  myself  with,  of  closing  the  remnant,  of  my 
days  in  my  present  peaceful  abode.  You  will 
therefore  be  at  no  loss  to  conceive  and  appreciate 
the  sensations  I  must  have  experienced,  to  bring 
my  mind  to  any  conclusion  that  would  pledge 
me,  at  so  late  a  period  of  life,  to  leave  scenes  I 
sincerely  love,  to  enter  upon  the  boundless  field 
of  public  action,  incessant  trouble,  and  high  re- 
sponsibility. 

"  It  was  not  possible  for  me  to  remain  ignorant 
of,  or .  indifferent  to,  recent  transactions.  The 
conduct  of  the  Directory  of  France,  toward  our 
country  ;  their  insidious  hostility  to -its  govern- 
ment ;  their  various  practices  to  withdraw  the  af- 


316 


THK  LIFE  OF 


fections  of  the  people  from  it ;  the  evident  tenden- 
cy of  their  acts,  and  those  of  their  agents,  to  coun- 
tenance and  invigorate  opposition  ;  their  disregard 
of  solemn  treaties  and  the  laws  of  nations  ;  their 
war  upon  our  defenceless  commerce  ;  their  treat- 
ment of  our  ministers  of  peace  ;  and  their  de- 
mands, amounting  to  tribute,  could  not  fail  to  ex- 
cite in  me  corresponding  sentiments  with  those 
my  countrymen  have  so  generally  expressed  in 
their  affectionate  addresses  to  you.  Believe  me, 
sir,  no  one  can  more  cordially  approve  of  the  wise 
and  prudent  measures  of  your  administration. 
They  ought  to  inspire  universal  confidence,  and 
will,  no  doubt,  combined  with  the  state  of  things, 
call  from  Congress  such  laws  and  means,  as  will 
enable  you  to  meet  the  full  force  and  extent  of  the 
crisis. 

"  Satisfied,  therefore,  that  you  have  sincerely 
wished  and  endeavoured  to  avert  war,  and  exhaust- 
ed, to  the  last  drop,  the  cup  of  reconciliation,  we 
can  with  pure  hearts  appeal  to  Heaven  for  the  jus- 
tice of  our  cause  ;  and  may  confidently  trust  the 
final  result  to  that  kind  Providence  who  has,  here- 
tofore, and  so  often,  signally  favoured  the  people 
of  these  United  States. 

"•  Thinking  in  this  manner,  and  feeling  how  in- 
cumbent it  is  upon  every  person  of  ever/y  descrip- 
tion, to  contribute  at  all  times  to  his  country's 
welfare,  and  especially  in  a  moment  like  the  pres- 
ent, when  every  thing  we  hold  dear  and  sacred  is 
so  seriously  threatened  ;  I  have  finally  determined 
to  accept  the  commission  of  Commander  in  Chief 
of  the  armies  of  the  United  States  ;  with  the  re- 
serve only,  that  I  shall  not  be  called  into  the  field 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  317 

until  the  army  is  in  a  situation  to  require  my  pres- 
ence, or  it  becomes  indispensable  by  the  urgency 
of  circumstances. 

"  In  making  this  reservation,  I  beg  it  to  be  un- 
derstood, that  I  do  not  mean  to  withhold  any  as- 
sistance to  arrange  and  organize  the  army,  which 
you  may  think  I  can  afford.  I  take  the  liberty 
also  to  mention,  that  I  must  decline  having  my 
acceptance  considered  as  drawing  after  it  any 
immediate  charge  upon  the  public  ;  or  that  I  can 
receive  any  emoluments  annexed  to  the  appoint- 
ment, before  entering  into  a  situation  to  incur  ex- 
pense.'* 

The  time  of  Washington  after  the  receipt  of  this 
appointment,  was  divided  between  agricultural 
pursuits,  and  the  cares  and  attentions  .which  were 
imposed  by-  his  new  office.  The  organization  of 
the  army  was,  in  a  great  measure,  left  to  him. 
Much  of  his  time  was  employed  in  making  a  prop- 
er selection  of  officers,  and  arranging  the  whole 
army  in  the  best  possible  manner  to  meet  the  in- 
vaders at  the  water's  edge  ;  for  he  contejnplated  a 
system  of  continued  attack,  and  frequently  observ- 
ed, "  that  the  enemy  must  never  be  permitted  to 
gain  foothold  on  the  shores  of  the  United  States." 
Yet  he  always  thought  that  an  actual  invasion  of 
the  country  was  very  improbable.  He  believed 
that  the  hostile  measures  of  France  took  their  rise 
from  an  expectation  that  these  measures  would 
produce  a  revolution  of  power  in  the  United  States, 
favourable  to  the  views  of  the  French  republic  ; 
and  that  when  the  spirit  of  the  Americans  was 
roused,  the  French  would  give  up  the  contest. 
Events  soon  proved  that  these  opinions  were  well 
28* 


318  THE  LIFE  OF 

founded ;  for  no  sooner  had  the  United  States 
armed,  than  they, were  treated  with  respect,  and 
an  indirect  communication  was  made  that  France 
would  acornmodate  all  matters  in  dispute  on  reas- 
onable terms.     Mr.  Adams  embraced  these  over- 
tures, and  made  a  second  appointment  of  three  en- 
voys extraordinary  to  the  French  republic.  These, 
on  repairing  to  France,  found  the  Directory  over- 
thrown,  and  the  government  in  the  hands  of  Bo- 
naparte,  who  had  taken  no  paVt  in  the  disputes 
which  had  brought  the  two  countries  to  the  verge 
of  war.     With  him  negotiations  were  commenc- 
ed, and  soon  terminated  in  a  pacific  settlement  of 
all  differences.     The  joy  to  which  this  event  gave 
birth  was  great ;  but  in  it  General  Washington 
die!  ndt  partake,  for  before  accounts  arrived  of  this 
amicable  adjustment,  he  ceased  to  be  numbered 
with  the  living. 

On  the  13th.  of  December,  1799,  his  neck  and 
hair  were  sprinkled  with  a  light  rain,  while  he  was 
but  of  doors  attending  to  some  improvements  on 
his  estate*  In  the  following  night  he  was  seized 
with  an  inflammatory  affection  oi  the  windpipe,  at- 
tended with  pain,  and  a  difficult  deglutition,  which 
tvas  soon  succeeded  by  fever,  and  a  laborious  res- 
piration. He  was  bled  in  the  night,  but  would  not 
permit  his  fam.ly  physician  to  be  sent  for  before 
day.  About  11  o'clock,  A  M.  Dr.  Craik  arrived, 
a:«d  rightly  judging  that  the  case  was  serious,  rec- 
ommended that  two  consulting  physicians  should 
Lx  sent  for.  The  united  powers  of  all  three  were 
in  vuin  ;  in  c>bout  twenty  four  hours  from  the  t  me  * 
h<  was  in  his  usual  health,  he  expired  \Vithout  a 
struggle,  aiid  111  the  pcricct  use  of  his  reason. 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  319 

In  every  stage  of  his  cl  sorder  he  believed  that 
he  should  die,  and  he  was  so  much  under  this  im- 
press .on,  thai  he  submitted  to  the  prescriptions  of 
his  physicians  more  from  a  sense  of  duty  than  ex- 
pectation of  relief.  After  he  had  given  them  a  tri- 
al, he  expressed  a  wish  that  he  might  be  permit- 
ted to  die  without  farther  interruption.  Toward 
the  close  of  his  illness,  he  undressed  himself  and 
went  to  bed,  to  die  there*  To  his  fr  end  and  phy- 
sician, Dr.  Craik,  he*  said,  "  1  arn  dying,  and  have 
been  dying  lor  a  long  time,  but  I  am  not  afraid  ro 
die."  The  equanimity  winch  attended  h  m  through 
life,  did  not  forsake  him  in  death.  He  was  the 
same  in  that  moment  as  in  all  the  past,  magnani- 
mous and  firm  ;  cor. fid  nig  in  the  mercy  and  re- 
signed to  the  will  of  Heaven.  He  submitted  to 
the  inevrtable  stroke  with  the  dignity  of  a  man, 
the-  calmness  of  a  philosopher,  the  resignation  and 
confidence  of  a  Christian. 

Oil  the  18th.  h;s  body,  attended  by  military  hon- 
ours and  the  offices  of  religion,  was  deposited  in 
the  family  vault  on  his  estate.  • 

When  intelligence  reached  Congress  of  the  death 
of  Washington,  they  instantly  adjourned  until  the 
r.exi  day,  when  John  Marshall,  then  a  member  of 
the  House  of  Representatives,  and  since  Chi  i  Jus- 
tice of  the  Uri-ed  States,  and  biographer  oi  Wissh- 
ingio. ;,  addressed  the  speaker  in  tlit-  following  words; 

"  The  melancholy  event  which  was  yesterday 
announced  with  doubt,  has  been  rendered  but  too 
c  aisi.  Our  WaslMigion  is  no  more.  The  hero, 
t  ;>.iuiot,  and  the.  sage  of  America^;  the  man  on 
\Vxiuai  in  times  of  danger  every  eye  was  turned, 


320  THE  LIFE  OP 

and  all  hopes  were  placed,  lives  now  only  in  bis 
own  great  act'qns,  and  in  the  hearts  of  an  affec- 
tionate and  afili.;ted  people. 

"  If,  sir,  it  had  even  not  been  usual  openly  to 
testify  respect  for  the  memory  of  those  whom 
Heaven  has  selected  as  its  instruments  for  dispens- 
ing good  to  man,  yet  such  has  been  the  uncom- 
mon worth,  and  such  the  extraordinary  incidents 
which  have  marked  the  life  of  him  whose  loss  we 
all  deplore,  that  the  whole  American  nation,  im- 
pelled by  the  same  feelings,  would  call  with  one 
voice  for  a  public  manifestation  of  that  sorrow, 
which  is  so  deep  and  so  universal. 

"More  than  any  other  individual,  and  as  much 
as  to  one  individual  was  possible,  has  he  contribu- 
ted to  found  this  our  wide  spreading  empire,  and 
to  give  to  the  western  world,  independence  and 
freedom. 

"  Having  effected  the  great  object  for  which  he 
was  placed  at.jthe  head  of  our  armies,  we  have 
seen  him  cdnvert  the  sword  into  the  ploughshare, 
and  sink  the  soklier  into  the  citizen. 

"  When  the  debility  of  our  federal  system  had 
become  manifest,  and  the  bonds  which  connected 
this  vast  continent  were  dissolving,  we  have  seen 
him  the  chief  of  those  patriots  who  formed  for  us 
a  constitution,  which,  by  preserving  the  union, 
wi'U  !  trust,  substantiate  and  perpetuate  those 
l-v^i.\?*s  which  our  revolution  had  promised  to 
>wl 

"  in  obedience  to  the  general  voice  of  hiscoiiTi- 
try,  caii  ng  him  to  preside  over  a  great  people,  we 
have  seen  him  once  more  quit  the  retirement  he 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  - 

loved,  and  in  a  season  more  stormy  and  tempes- 
tuous than  war  itself,  with  <:alrn  and  wise  deter- 
mination pursue  the  true  interests  of  the  nation, 
and  contr-bute  more  than  any  other  couid  coiitrib* 
ute,  to  the  establishment  of  that  system  of  policy, 
which  will,  I  trust,  yet  preserve  our  peace,  our 
honour,  and  our  independence. 

"  Having  been  twice  unanimously  chosen  the 
chief  magistrate  of  a  free  people,  we  have  seen 
h  m,  at  a  time  when  his  re-election  whh  univer- 
sal suffrage  could  not  be  doubted,  afford  to  the 
world  a  rare  instance  of  moderation,  by  withdraw- 
ing from  his  station  to  the  peaceful  walks  of  pri- 
vate life. 

"  However  the  public  confidence  may  change, 
and  the  public  affections  fluctuate,  with  respect  to 
others,  with  respect  to  him  they  have,  in  war  and 
in  peace,  in  public  and  in  private  life,  been  as 
steady  as  his  own  firm  mind,  and  as  constant  as  his 
own  exalted  virtues. 

"  Let  us  then,  Mr.  Speaker,  pay  the  last  trib- 
ute of  respect  and  affection  to  our  departed  friend. 
Let  die  grand  council  oi  the  nation  display  those 
Sentiments  which  the  nation  feels.  For  this  pur- 
pose I  hold  in  my  hand  some  resolutions  which  I 
take  the  liberty  of  offering  to  the  house. 

u  Resolved,  That  thih  House  will  wait  on  the 
president,  in  condolence  oi  this  mournful  event. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  speaker's  chair  be  shroud- 
ed with  blagk,  and  that  the  members  and  ofHc'crs 
of  the  house  wear  black  during  the  session. 

"  Resolved,  That  a  committee,  in  cor.ju; 
with  one  from  the  Senate,  be  appointed  to  < 
cr  on  the  most  suitable  manner  of  pa>  LV^  auuour 


322  THE  LIFE  OF 

to  the   memory  of  the  man,  first  in  war,  first  in 
peace,  and  first  in  the  hearts  of  his  fellowcitizens." 

The  Senate  of  the  United  States,  on  this  melan- 
choly occasion,  addressed  to  the  president  a  letter 
in  these  words  ; 

"  The  Senate  of  the  United,  States  respectfully 
take  leave,  sir,  to  express  to  you  their  deep  regret 
for  the  loss  their  country  sustains  in  the  death  of 
Gen.  George  Washington. 

"  This  event,  so  distressing  to  all  our  fellowcit- 
izens, must  be  peculiarly  heavy  to  you,  who  have 
long  been  associated  with  him  in  deeds  of  patriot- 
ism. Permit  us,  sir,  to  mingle  our  tears  with 
yours.  On  this  occasion  it  is  manly  to  weep.  To 
lose  such  a  man,  at  such  a  crisis,  is  no  common 
calamity  to  the.  world.  Our  country  mourns  a 
father.  The  Almighty  Disposer  of  human  events, 
has  taken  from  us  our  greatest  benefactor  and  or- 
nament. It  becomes  us  to  submit  with  reverence 
to  him  c  who  maketh  darkness  his  pavillion.' 

"  With  patriotic  pride  we  review  the  life  of  our 
Washington,  and  compare  him  with  those  of  oth- 
er countries  who  have  been  pre-eminent  in  fame. 
Ancient  and  modern  times  are  diminished  before 
him.  Greatness  and  guilt  have  too  often  been  al- 
lied ;  but  his  fame  is  whiter  than  it  is  brilliant. 
The  destroyers  of  nations  stood  abashed  at  the 
majesty  of  his  virtues.  It  reproved  the  intemper- 
ance of  their  ambition,  and  darkened  the  splendour 
of  victory.  The  scene  is  closed,  and  we  are  no. 
longer  anxious  lest  misfortune  should  sully  his 
glory  ;  he  has  travelled  on  to  the  end  of  his  jour- 
ney, and  carried  with  him  an  increasing  weight  of 
honour  ;  he  has  deposited  it  safely  where  misfor- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  323 

tune  cannot  tarnish  it ;  where  malice  cannot  blast 
it.  Favoured  of  Heaven,  he  departed  without  ex- 
hib  ting  the  weakness  of  humanity.  Magnanimous 
in  death,  the  darkness  of  the  grave  could  not  ob- 
scure his  brightness. 

"  Such  was  the  man  whom  we  deplore.  Thanks 
to  God,  his  glory  is  consummated.  Washington 
yet  lives  on  earth  in  his  spotless  example  ;  his 
spirit  is  in  heaven. 

"  Let  his  countrymen  consecrate  the  memory 
of  the  heroic  general,  the  patriotic  statesman,  and 
the  virtuous  sage.  Let  them  teach  their  children 
never  to  forget,  that  the  fruits  of  his  labours  and 
his  example  are  their  inheritance." 

To  this  address,  the  president  returned  the  fol- 
lowing answer  ;' 

"  I  receive  -with  the  most  respectful  and  affec- 
tionate sentiments,  in  this  impressive  address,  the 
obliging  expressions  of  your  regret  for  the  loss 
our  country  has  sustained  in  the  death  of  her  most 
esteemed,  beloved,  and  admired  citizen. 

"  In  the  multitude  of  my  thoughts  and  recol- 
lections on  this  melancholy  event,  you  will  permit 
me  to  say,  that  I  have  seen  him  in  the  days  of  ad- 
versity, in  some  of  the  scenes  of  his  deepest  dis- 
tress, and  most  trying  perplexities.  I  have  also 
attended  him  in  his  highest  elevation,  and  most 
prosperous  felicity,  with  uniform  admiration  of  his 
wisdom,  moderation,  and  constancy. 

"  Among  all  our  original  associates  in  that  mem- 
orable league  of  this  continent,  in  1774,  which 
first  expressed  the  sovereign  will  of  a  free  nation 
in  America,  he  was  the  only  one  remaining  in  the 


324  THE  LIFE  OF 

general  government.  Although  with  a  constitu- 
tion more  enfeebled  than  his,  at  an  age  when  he 
thought  it  necessary  to  prepare  for  retirement,  I 
feel  myself  alone  bereaved  of  my  last -brother,  yet 
I  derive  a  strong  consolation  from  the  unanimous 
disposition  which  appears  in  ail  ages  and  classes, 
to  mingle  their  sorrows  with  mine,  on  this  common 
calamity  to  the  world. 

"  The  life  of  our  Washington  cannot  suffer  by 
a  comparison  with  those  of  other  countries,  who 
have  been  most  celebrated  and  exalted  by  fame. 
The  attributes  and  decorations  of  royalty,  couid 
only  have  served  to  eclipse  the  majesty  of  those 
virtues  which  made  him,  from  being  a  modest  cit- 
izen, a  more  resplendent  luminary.  Misfortune, 
had  he  lived,  could  hereafter  have  sullied  his  glo- 
ry only  with  those  superficial  minds  who,  believ- 
ing that  character  and  actions  are  marked  by  suc- 
cess alone,  rarely  deserve  to  eijoy  it.  Malice 
could  never  blast  his  honour,  arid  envy  made  him 
a  singular  exception  to  her  universal  rule.  For 
himself,  he  had  lived  long  enough  to  life  and  to 
glory  ;  for  his  fellowcitizens,  if  their  prayers  could 
have  been  answered,  he  would  have  been  immor- 
tal ;  for  me,  his  departure  is  at  a  most  unfortunate 
moment.  Trusting,  however,  in  the  wise  and 
righteous  dominion  of  Providence  over  the  pas- 
sions of  men  and  the  results  of  their  actions,  as 
Weil  as  over  their  lives,  nothing  remains  for  me  but 
humble  resignation. 

u  His  example  is  now  complete  ;  and  it  will 
teach  wisdom  and  virtue  to  magistrates,  citizens, 
and  men,  not  only  iu  the  present  age,  but  in  future 


GE011GE  WASHINGTON.  325 

generations,  as  long  as  our  history  shall  be  read. 
If  a  Trajan  found  a  Pliny,  a  Marcus  Aureiius  can 
never  want  biographers,  eulogists,  or  historians." 

The  committee  of  both  houses  appointed  to  de- 
vise the  mode  by  which  the  nation  should  express 
its  grief,  reported  the  following  resolutions,  whica 
were  unanimously  adopted. 

44  Resolved,  hi/  the  Senate  and  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives of  the  United  States  of  America,  in  Con- 
gress assembled,  That  a  marble  monument  be  erect- 
ed by  the  United  States  at  the  capitol  of  the  city 
of  Washington,  and  that  the  family  of  General 
Washington  be  requested  to  permit  his  body  to  be 
deposited  under  it,  and  that  the  monument  be  so 
designed  as  to  commemorate  the  great  events  of 
his  military  and  political  life.  J*\ 

u  And  be  it  further  resolved,  that  there  be  a  fu- 
neral procession  from  Congress  Hail,  to  the  Ger- 
man Lutheran  church,  in  memory  of  Gen.  George 
Washington,  on  Thursday  the  26i:h.  instant,  and 
that  an  oration  be  prepared  at  the  request  of  Con- 
gress, to  be  delivered  before  both  houses  that  day  ; 
and  that  the  president  of  the  Senate,  and  speaker 
of  the  House  or  Representatives,  be  desired  to  re- 
quest one  of  the  members  of  Congress  to  prepare 
and  deliver  the  same. 

"  And  be  it  further  resolved,  that  it  be  recom- 
mended to  the  people  of  the  United  States,  to  wear 
crape  on  their  left  arm,  as   mourning,  for  thirty 
„  days. 

"  And  be  it  further  resolved,  that  the  president 

of  the  United  Slates  be  requested  to  direct  a  copy 

of  these   resolutions  to   be   transmitted  to   Mrs. 

Washington,  assuring  her  of  the  profound  respect 

29 


326  THE  Ltt'E  OP 

Congress  will  ever  bear  for  her  person  and  char- 
acter, of  their  condolence  on  the  late  affecting  dis- 
pensation of  Prov:dence  ;  and  MI  treating  her  as- 
sent to  the  interment  of  the  remains  of  Gen.  Wash- 
ington in  the  manner  expressed  in  the  first  reso- 
lution. 

"  And  be  it  further  resolved,  that  the  president 
of  the  United  States  be  requested  to  issue  his  proc- 
lamation, notifying  to  the  people  throughout  the 
United  States,  the  recommendation  contained  in 
the  third  resolution." 

To  the  letter  of  president  Adams,  which  trans- 
mitted to  Mrs.  Washington  the  resolution  of  Con- 
gress that  she  should  be  requested  to  permit  the 
remains  of  Gen.  Washington  to  be  deposited  un- 
der a  marble  monument,  to  be  erected  in  the  city 
of  Washington,  she  replied  very  much  in  the  style 
and  manner  of  her  departed  husband,  and  in  the 
following  words  ;  "  Taught  by  the  great  example 
which  I  have  so  long  had  before  me,  never  to  op- 
pose my  private  wishes  to  the  public  will,  I  must 
consent  to  the  request  made  by  Congress,  which 
you  have  had  the  goodness  to  transmit  to  me  ;  and 
in  doing  this,  I  need  not,  1  cannot  say,  what  a  sac- 
rifice of  individual  feeling  I  make  to  a  sense  of  pub  • 
lie  duty." 

The  honours  paid  to  Washington  at  the  seat  of 
government,  were  but  a  small  part  of  the  whole. 
Throughout  the  United  States,  the  citizens  gener- 
ally expressed,  in  a  variety  of  ways,  both  their 
grief  and  their  gratitude.  Their  heartfelt  distress 
resembled  the  agony  of  a  large  and  affectionate 
family,  when  a  bereaved  wife  and  orphan  children 
mingle  their  tears  for  the  loss  of  a  husband  and 
father. 


GKOUGE  WASHINGTON. 


327 


The  people,  from  the  impulse  of  their  own 
minds,  before  they  knew  of  similar  intentions  of 
their  fellowcitizens,  or  of  the  resolutions  of  Con- 
gress for  a  general  mourning,  assembled  and  pass- 
ed resolutions,  expressive  of  their  high  sense  of 
the  great  worth  of  the  deceased,  and  their  grateful 
recollection  of  his  important  services.  Orations 
were  delivered,  sermons  preached,  and  elegies  writ- 
ten, on  the  melancholy  occasion.  The  best  tal- 
ents of  the  nation  were  employed,  both  in  prose 
and  verse,  in  writing  and  speaking,  to  express  the 
national  grief,  and  to  celebrate  the  deeds  of  the 
departed  father  of  his  country.  In  addition  to  the 
public  honours  which,  in  the  preceding  pages,  have 
been  mentioned  as  conferred  on  Washington  in 
his  life  time,  there  were  others  of  a  private  nature 
which  flowed  from  the  hearts  of  the  people,  and 
which  neither  wealth  nor  power  could  command. 
An  infinity  of  children  were  called  by  his  name. 
This  was  often  done  by  people  in  the  humble  walks 
of  life,  who  had  never  seen'  nor  expected  to  see 
him  ;  and  who  could  have  no  expectations  of  fa- 
vour from  him.  Villages,  towns,  cities,  districts, 
counties,  seminaries  of  learning,  and  other  public 
institutions,  were  called  Washington^  m  such  num- 
bers, and  in  such  a  variety  of  places,  that  the  name 
no  longer  answered  the  end  of  distinction,  unless 
some  local  or  appropriating  circumstances  were 
added  to  the  common  appellation.  Adventurous 
mariners,  who  discovered  islands  or  countries  in 
unexplored  regions,  availing  themselves  of  the 
privilege  of  discoverers,  planted  the  name  of  the 
American  Chief  in  the  remotest  corners  ®f  the 
globe. 


my  UFK  OF 

The  person  of  George  Washington  was  uncom- 
monly tall.  Mountain  air,  abundant  exercise  in 
the  open  country,  the  wholesome  toils  of  the  chase, 
and  the  delightful  scenes  of  rural  life,  expanded 
his  limbs  to  an  unusual,  but  graceful  and  well  pro-- 
portioned size.  His  exterior  suggested  to  every 
beholder,  the  idea  of  strength*,  muted  with  manly 
grace  fulness.  His  form  was  noble,  and  his  port 
majestic.  No  man  could  approach  him  but  with 
respect.  His  frame  was  robust,  his  constitution 
vigorous,  and  he  was  capable  of  enduring  great  fa- 
tigue. His  passions  were  naturally  strong  ;  with 
them  was  his  first  contest,  and  over  them  his  first 
victory.  Before  he  undertook  to  command  oth- 
ers, he  had  thoroughly  learned  to  command  him- 
self. The  powers  of  his  mind  were  more  solid 
than  brilliant.  Judgment  was  his  forte.  To  vi- 
vacity, wit,  and  the  sallies  of  a  lively  imagination, 
he  made  no  pretensions.  His  faculties  resembled 
those  of  Aristotle,  Bacon,  Locke,  and  Newton  ; 
but  were  very  unlike  those  of  Voltaire.  Possess- 
ed of  a  large  proportion  of  common  sense,  direct- 
ed by  a  sound  .practical  judgment,  -he  was  better 
fitted  for  the  exalted  stations  to  which  he  was  call- 
ed, than  many  others,  who,  to  a  greater  brilliancy 
of  parts,  frequently  add  the  eccentricities  of  ge- 
nius. 

Truth  and  utility  were  his  objects.  He  steadi- 
ly pursued,  and  generally  attained  them.  With 
this  view  he  thought  much,  and  closely  examined 
every  subject  on  which  he  was  to  decide,  in  all  its 
relations.  Neither  passion,  party  spirit,  pr  de,  prej- 
udxe,  ambition,  nor  interest,  influenced  his  delib- 
erations. In  making  up  his  mind  on  great  oeca- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  329 

sions,  many  of  which  occurred  in  which  the  fate 
of  the  army  or  nation  seemed  involved,  he  sought 
for  information  from  all  quarters,  revolved  the  sub- 
ject by  night  and  by  day,*  and  examined  it  in  ev- 
ery point  of  view.  Guided  by  these  lights,  and 
influenced  by  an  honest  and  good  heart,  he  was 
imperceptibly  led  to  decisions  which  were  wise 
and  judicious.  Perhaps  no  man  ever  lived  who 
was  so  often  called  upon  to  form  a  judgment  in 
cases  of  real  difficulty,  and  who  so  often  formed  a 
right  one.  Engaged  in  the  busy  scenes  of  life, 
he  knew  human  nature,  and  the  most  proper  meth- 
ods of  accomplishing  proposed  objects.  Of  a 
thousand  propositftms  he  knew  to  distinguish  the 
best,  and  to  select  among  a  thousand  the  individ- 
ual most  fitted  for  his  purpose. 

As  a  military  man,  he  possessed  personal  cour- 
age, and  a  firmness  which  neither  danger  nor  diffi- 
culties could  shake.  His  perseverance  overcame 
every  obstacle  ;  his  moderation  conciliated  all  op- 
position ;  his  genius  supplied  every  resource. 
He  knew  how  to  conquer  by  delay,  and  deserved 
true  praise  by  despising  unmerited  censure.  In- 
ferlor  to  his  adversary  in  the  numbers,  the  equip- 
ment, and  discipline  of  his  troops,  no  great  advan- 
tage was  ever  obtained  over  him,  and  no  oppor- 

*  In  a  letter  lo  Gen.  Knox,  -written  after  the  termination  of  the  revo- 
lutionary war,  Washington  observed;  "Strange  as  it  may  seem,  it  is 
nevertheless  true,  that  it  was  not  until  lately  1  could  get  the  hctter  of 
my  usual  custom  of  ruminating  as  soon  as  I  awoke  in  the  morning,  on 
the  business  of  the  ensuing  day  ;  and  of  my  surprise  at  finding,  after  re- 
volving many  things  m  my  mind,  that  1  was  no  longer  a  public  man,  or 
had  any  thing  to  do  with  public  transactions." 

29* 


330  THE  LIFE  OF 

tunity  to  strike  an  important  blow  was  ever  neg- 
lected. In  the  most  ardent  moments  of  the  con- 
test, his  prudent  firmness  proved  the  salvation  of 
his  country. 

The  whole  range  of  history  does  not  present  a 
character  on  which  we  can  dwell  with  such  entire 
unmixed  admiration.  His  qualities  were  so  hap- 
pily  blended,  and  so  nicely  harmonized,  that  the 
result  was  a  great  and  perfect  whole. 

The  integrity  of  Washington  was  incorruptible. 
His  principles  were  free  from  the  contamination 
of  selfish  and  unworthy  passions.  His  real  and 
avowed  motives  were  the  same.  His  ends  were 
always  upright,  and  his  meartl  pure.  He  was  a 
statesman  without  guile,  and  his  professions,  both 
to  his  fellowcitizenji  and  to  foreign  nations,  were 
always  sincere.  No  circumstances  ever  induced 
him  to  use  dupLcity.  He  was  aii  example  of  the 
distinction  which  exists  between  wisdom  and  cun- 
ning ;  and  his  manly,  open  conduct,  was  an  illus- 
ti  at, on  of  the  soundness  of  the  maxim,  "  that  hon- 
esty is  the  best  policy." 

.  The  learning  of  Washington  was  of  a  particu- 
lar kind.  He  overstepped  the  tedious  forms  of 
the  schools,  and  by  the  force  of  a  correct  taste  and 
sound  judgment,  seized  on  the  great  ends  of  learn- 
ing, without  the  assistance  of  those  means  which 
have  been  contrived  to  prepare  less  active  minds 
for  public  business.  By  a  careful  study  of  the 
English  language  ;  by  read  ing  good  models  of  fine 
writing,  and  above  all,  by  the  aid  of  a  vigorous 
mind,  he  made  himself  master  of  a  pure,  elegant, 
and  classical  style.  His  composition  was  all  nerve  ; 
full  of  correct  and  manly  ideas,  which  were  ex- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  331 

pressed  in  precise  and  forcible  language.     His  an- 
swers to  the  innumerable  addresses  which  on  all 
public  occasions  poured  in  upon  him,  were  prompt-  ' 
ly  made,  handsomely  expressed,  and  always  con- 
tained something  appropriate.     His  letters  to  Con- 
gress ;  his  addresses  to  that   body  on  the  accept- 
ance and  resignation  of  his  commission  j  his  gen- 
eral orders  as  Commander  in  Chief;  his  speeches 
and  messages  as  president  ;  and  above  all,  his  two- 
farewell  addresses  to  the  people  of  the  United  States, 
vwiil  remain  lasting  monuments  of  the  goodness  of 
his  heart t  of  the  wisdom  of  his  head,  and  of  the  el- 
oquence of  his  pen. 

The  powers  of  his  mind  were  in  some  respects 
peculiar.  He  was  a  great,  practical,  self  taught 
genius  ;  with  a  head  to  devise,  and  a  hand  to  ex- 
ecute, projects  of  the  first  magnitude  and  greatest 
utility. 

There  are  few  men  of  any  kind,  and  still  fewer 
of  those  the  world  calls  great,  who  have  not  some 
of  their  virtues  eclipsed  by  corresponding  vices. 
But  this  was  not  the  case  with  Gen.  Washington. 
Ho  had  religion  without  austerity,  dignity  without 
pr.de,  modesty  without  diffidence,  courage  with- 
out rashness,  politeness  without  affectation,  affa- 
bility without  familiarity.  His  private  character, 
as  well  as  his  public  one,  will  bear  the  strictest 
scrutiny.  He  was  punctual  in  all  his  engagements ; 
upright  and  honest  in  his  dealings  ;  temperate  in 
his  enjoyments  ;  liberal  and  hospitable  to  an  emi- 
nent degree  ;  a  lover  of  order  ;  systematical  and 
methodical  in  all  his  arrangements.  He  wras  the 
friend  of  morality  and  religion  ;  steadily  attended 


332  THE  LIFE  OF 

on  public  worship  ;  encouraged  and  strengthened 
the  hands  of  the  clergy.  In  all  his  public  acts, 
he  made  the  most  respectful  mention  of  Provi- 
dence ;  and,  in  a  word,  carried  the  spirit  of  piety 
with  him  both  in  his  private  life  and  public  ad- 
ministration. 

Washington  had  to  form  soldiers  of  freemen, 
many  of  whom  had  extravagant  ideas  of  their  per- 
sonal rights.     He  had  often  to  mediate  between  a 
starving   army,    and  a  high   spirited   yeomanry. 
So  great  were  the  necessities  of  the  soldiers  under 
h  s  immediate  command,  that  he  was  obliged  to 
send  out  detachments  to  seize  on  the  property  of 
the  farmers  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet.     The  Ian- 
guage  of  the  soldier  was,  "  Give  me  clothing,  give 
me  food,  or  1  cannot  fight,  I  cannot  live."     The 
language  of  the  farmer  was,  "  Protect  my  proper- 
ty."    In  this  choice  of  difficulties,  Gen.  Washing- 
ton not  only  kept  his  army  together,  but  conduct- 
ed w/th  so  much  prudence  as  to  command  the  ap- 
probation both  of  the  army  and  of  the  citizens, 
He  was  also  dependent  for  much  of  his  support 
on  the  concurrence  of  thirteen  distinct,  unconnect- 
ed  legislatures.     Animosities   prevailed  between 
his  southern  and  northern  troops,  and  there  were 
strong  jealousies  between  the  states  from   which 
they    respectively    came.      To   harmonize   these 
clashing  interests,  to  make  uniform  arrangements 
from  such  discordant  sources  and  materials,  re- 
quired no  common  share  of  address.     Yet  so  great 
was  the  effect  of  the  modest  unassuming  manners 
of  Ten,  Washington,  that  he  retained  the  affectiofc 
of  ail  his  troops,  and  of  all  the  states. 


fiMOUGE   WASHINGTON. 


S33 


He  also  possessed  equanimity  in  an  eminent  de- 
gree. One  even  tenour  marked  the  greatness  of 
his  mind,  »n  all  the  variety  of  scenes  through  which 
he  passed.  In  the  most  trying  situations  he  nev- 
er despaired,  nor  was  he  ever  ck pressed.  He  was 
the  same  when  retreating  through  Jersey  from  be- 
fore a  victorious  enemy  with  the  remains  of  his 
broken  army,  as  when  marching  in  triumph  into 
Yorktown,  over  its  demolished  fortifications.  The 
honours  and  applause  he  received  from  his  grate- 
ful countrymen,  would  have  made  almost  any  oth- 
er man  giddy  ;  but  on  him  they  had  no  mischiev- 
ous effect.  He  exacted,  none  of  *hose  attentions  ; 
but  when  forced  upon  h:m,  he  received  them  as 
favours,  with  the  politeness  of  a  well  bred  man. 
He  was  great  in  deserving  them,  but  much  great- 
er in  not  being  elated  with  them. 

The  patriotism  of  Washington  was  of  the  most 
ardent  kind,  and  without  alloy.  He  was  very  dif- 
ferent fro'ii  those  noisy  patriots,  who,  with  love  of 
country  in  their  months,  and  hell  in  their  hearts, 
lay  their  schemes  for  aggrandizing  themselves  at 
every  hazard  ;  but  he  was  one  of  those  who  love 
the.r  country  in  sincerity,  and  who  hold  themselves 
bound  to  consecrate  all  their  talents  to  its  serv  •  e. 
Numerous  were  the  difficulties  with  which  he  had 
to  contend.  Great  were  the  dangers  he  had  to  en- 
counter. Various  were  the  toils  and  services  in 
which  he  had  to  share  ;  but  to  all  difficulties  and 
dangers  he  rose  super  or.  To  all  toils  and  servi- 
ces he  cheerfully  submitKrd  Tor  his  oountr,  's  good. 

In  pniK'ipIc,  Washington  was  a  federal  republi- 
can, r;  h.iolica^  re: (k '-i list.  Liberty  and 
law,  the  ngiitJi  of  man,  and  the  control  of  govern- 


334  THE  LIFE  OF 

ment,  were  equally  dear  to  him  ;  and  in  his  opin- 
ion, equally  necessary  to  political  happiness.  He 
was  devoted  to  that  system  of  equal  political  rights 
on  which  the  constitution  of  his  country  was  found- 
ed ;  but  thought  that  real  liberty  could  only  be 
maintained  by  preserving  the  authority  of  the  laws, 
and  giving  tone  and  energy  to  government.  He 
conceived  there  was  an  immense  difference  be- 
tween a  balanced  republic  and  a  tumultuous  de- 
mocracy, or  a  faction  calling  themselves  the  peo- 
ple ;  and  a  still  greater  between  a  patriot  and  a' 
demagogue.  He  highly  respected  the  deliberate 
sentiments  of  the  people,  but  their  sudden  ebulli- 
tions made  no  impression  on  his  well  balanced 
mind  Trusting  for  support  to  the  sober  second 
thoughts  of  the  nation,  he  had  the  magnanimity  to 
pursue  its  real  interests,  in  opposition  to  prevail- 
ing prejudices.  He  placed  a  proper  value  on  pop- 
ular favour,  but  could  never  stoop  to  gain  it  by  a 
sacrifice  of  duty,  by  artifice,  or  flattery.  In  criti- 
cal times  he  committed  his  well  earned  popularity 
to  hazard,  and  steadily  pursued  the  line  of  con- 
duct which  was  dictated  by  a  sense  of  duty,  against 
an  opposing  popular  torrent. 

While  war  raged  in  Europe,  the  hostile  nation's 
would  scarce  endure  a  neutral.  America  was  in 
great  danger  of  being  drawn  by  force  or  intrigue 
into  the  vortex.  Strong  parties  in  the  United 
States  rendered  the  danger  more  imminent ;  and 
it  required  a  temperate,  but  inflexible  government, 
to  prevent  the  evil.  In  this  trying  state  of  things, 
Washington  was  not  to  be  moved  from  the  true 
interests  of  his  country.  His  object  was  Ameri- 
ca, and  her  interest  was  to  remain  in  peace.  Facr- 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  535 

tion  at  home,  and  intrigue  and  menace  from  abroad, 
endeavoured  to  shake  him,  but  in  vain;  he  *e- 
mained  firm  and  immoveable  in  the  storm  that  sur- 
rounded him.  Foreign  intrigue  was  defeated,  and 
foreign  insolence  was  repressed  by  his  address 
and  vigour;  while  domestic  fact  on,  dashing  against 
him,  broke  itself  to  pieces.  He  met  the  injustictijt 
both  of  Britain  and  France  by  negotiation,  rather 
than  by  war,  but  maintained  toward  both,  that  firm 
attitude  which  was  proper  for  the  magistrate  of  a 
free  state.  He  commanded  their  respect,  and  pre- 
served the  tranquillity  of  his  country.  In  his  pub- 
lic character,  he  knew  no  nation  but  as  friends  in 
peace,4fcs  enemies  in  war.  Toward  one  he  for- 
got ancient  animosities,  when  the  recollection  of 
them  opposed  the  interests  of  his  country.  To- 
ward another,  -he  renounced  a  fantast;C  gratitude, 
when  it  was  claimed  only  to  involve  his  nation  in 
war. 

With  Washington  it  was  an  invariable  maxim 
of  policy,  to  secure  his  country  against  the  injus- 
tice of  foreign  nations,  by  being  in  a  condition  to 
command  their  respect,  and  punish  their  aggres- 
sions. The  defence  of  our  commerce,  the  fortifi- 
cation of  the  ports,  and  the  organization  of  a  mili- 
tary force,  were  objects  to  which  he  paid  particu- 
lar attention.  To  the  gradual  formation  of  an 
American  army,  he  was  friendly  ;  and  also  to  mil- 
itary institutions,  which  are  calculated  to  qualify 
the  youth  of  the  country  for  its  defence.  War  he 
deprecated  as  a  great  evil,  inferior  only  to  the  loss 
of  honour  and  character ;  but  thought  it  was  most 
easily  avoided  by  being  ready  for  it,  while,  by  the 
practice  of  universal  justice,  none  could  have  any 


336  THE  LIFE  OF 

real  ground  of  complaint.  In  foreign  transactions, 
his  usual  policy  was  to  cultivate  peace  with  all  the 
world  ;  to  observe  treaties  with  pure  and  absolute 
faith  ;  to  check  every  deviation  from  the  1  ne  of 
impartiality  ;  to  explain  what  was  misapprehend- 
^  ed,  and  to  correct  what  was  injurious;  and  then 
to  insist  upon  justice  being  done  *o  the  nation 
over  which  he  presided.  In  controversies  with 
foreign  nations,  it  was  his  favourite  maxim  so  to 
conduct  toward  them,  u  as  to  put  them  in  the 


Wrong." 


In  his  transactions  with  the  Indian  tribes,  Wash- 
ingioa  was  guided  by  justice,  humanity,  .md  be- 
nevolence. His  authority  and  influence  u£e  ex- 
erted to  restrain  the  licentious  white  contiguous 
settlers,  from  injuring  their  red  neighbours.  To 
supply  their  wants,  and  prevent  impositions,  he 
sliongly  urged  the  erection  of  trading  houses  in 
tLir  settlements,  from  which  they  were,  fu in  shed 
bv  government  with  goods  at  first  cost  The  un- 
pr  nciplcd  \vere  restrained  from  preying  on  their 
ignorance,  by  excluding  all  but  licensed  persons, 
w-ih  good  characters,  from  trading  with  them. 
Ail  this  was  done  to  pave  the  way  for  their  civiii- 
sation. 

W  hen  .Washington  commenced  his  civil  admin- 
istration, the   United  States  were  without  airy  ef- 
ficient government.     After  they  had  adopted  one 
of  their  choice,  and  placed  him  at  its  head,  he  de- 
termined thrt  it  should  be  respected.     By  his  firm-, 
ness  order  soon  took  plat^e.      There  was  one  ex- 
cepnon.     The  western  cpuaties  of  Pennsylvania   i 
rost-  in  amis  to  resist  the  law  for.  raising  a  re  venue, 
by  an  excise  on  domestic  distilled 'ardent  spirits. 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  337 

On  this  occasion,  the  fixed  resolution  of  Washing, 
ton  was,  that  whatever  expense  it  might  cost,  what- 
ever inconvenience  it  might  occasion,  the  people 
must  be  taught  obedience,  and  the  authority  of 
the  laws  re-established.  To  secure  this  object, 
peculiarly  important  in  the  infancy  of  the  new  gov- 
ernment, he  ordered  out,  and  put  himself  at  the 
head,  of  an  ample  force,  calculated  to  render  re- 
sistance  desperate,  and  thereby  to  save  the  lives  of 
his  fellowcitizens. 

In  consequence  of  such  decided  measures,  the 
insurgents  dispersed,  and  peace  and  order  were  re- 
stored without  bloodshed.  The  necessity  of  sub- 
ordination was  impressed  on  the  citizens,  and  the 
firmness  of  Washington's  personal  character  was 
communicated  to  the  government. 

Having  accomplished  every  object  for  which  he 
re-entered  public  life,  he  gave  for  the  second  time, 
the  rare  example  of  voluntarily  descending  from, 
the  first  station  in  the  universe ;  the  head  of  a  free 
people,  placed  there  by  their  unanimous  suffrage. 
To  the  pride  of  reigning  his  soul  was  superior. 
To  its  labours  he  submitted  only  for  his  country. 

Rulers  of  the  world  !  Learn  from  Washington 
wherein  true  glory  consists.  Restrain  your  ambi- 
tion. Consider  your  power  as  an  obligation  to 
do  good.  Let  the  world  have  peace,  and  prepare 
for  yourselves,  the  enjoyment  of  that  ecstatic  plea- 
sure which  will  result  from  devoting  all  your  ener- 
gies to  the  advancement  of  human  happiness. 

Citizens  of  the  United  States  !  While  with  grate- 
ful  hearts  you  recollect  the  virtues  of  your  Wash- 
ington, carry  your  thoughts  one  step  farther.  On 
a  review  of  his  lite,  and  of  ail  the  circumstances  of 
30 


338  THE  LIFE  OF 

the  times  in  which  he  lived,  you  must  he  convinc- 
ed, that  a  kind  Providence  in  its  beneficence  rais- 
ed him,  and  endowed  him  with  extraordinary  vir- 
tues, to  be  to  you  an  instrument  of  great  good. 
None  but  such  a  man  could  have  carried  you  suc- 
cessfully through  the  revolutionary  times  which 
tried  men's  souls,  and  ended  in  the  establishment 
of  your  independence.  None  but  such  a  man 
could  have  braced  up  your  government  after  it  had 
become  so  contemptible,  from  the  imbecility  of 
the  federal  system.  None  but  such  a  man  could 
have  saved  your  country  from  being  plunged  into 
war,  either  with  the  greatest  naval  power  in  Eu- 
rope, or  with  that  which  is  most  formidable  by 
land,  in  consequence  of  your  animosity  against  the 
one,  and  your  partiality  in  favour  of  the  other. 

Youths  of  the  United  States  !  Learn  from  Wash- 
ington what  may  be  done  by  an  industrious  im- 
provement of  your  talents,  and  the  cultivation  of 
your  moral  powers.  Without  any  extraordinary 
advantages  from  birth,  fortune,  patronage,  or  even 
of  education,  he,  by  virtue  and  industry,  attained 
the  highest  seat  in  the  temple  of  fame.  You  can- 
not all  be  commanders  of  armies,  or  chief  magis- 
trates ;  but  you  may  all  resemble  him  in  the  vir- 
tues of  private  and  domestic  life,  in  which  he  ex- 
celled, and  in  which  he  most  delighted.  Equally 
industrious  with  his  plough  as  his  sword,  he  es- 
teemed idleness  and  inutility  as  the  greatest  dis- 
grace of  man,  whose  powers  attain  perfection  only 
by  constant  and  vigorous  action.  Washington,  in 
private  life,  was  as  amiable  as  virtuous  ;  and  as 
great  as  he  appeared  sublime,  on  the  public  thea- 
tre of  the  world.  He  lived  in  the  discharge  of  all 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  339 

the  civil,  social,  and  domestic  offices  of  life.  He 
was  temperate  in  his  desires,  and  faithful  to  his  du- 
ties. For  more  than  forty  years  of  happy  wedded 
love,  his  high  example  strengthened  the  tone  of 
public  manners.  He  had  more  real  enjoyment  in 
the  bosom  of  his  family,  than  in  the  pride  of  mili- 
tary command,  or  in  the  pomp  of  sovereign  power. 
On  the  whole,  his  life  affords  the  brightest  mod- 
el for  imitation,  not  only  to  warriors  and  states- 
men, but  to  private  citizens  ;  for  his  character  was 
a  constellation  of  all  the  talents  and  virtues  which 
dignify  or  adorn  human  nature. 

"  He  was  a  mr»n,  take  liim  for  all  in  all, 
We  ne'er  .shall  look  upon  hi?  like  again.'* 


APPENDIX. 

(NO.  I.) 
[Referred  to  in  page  162*1 


TO  THE  UNITED  STATES,  IN  CONGRESS  ASSEMBLED. 

The  Address  and  Petition  of  the  Officers  of  the  Army  of  the  United 
States, 

HUMBLY  SHOWETH, 

THAT  we,  the  Officers  of  the  Army  of  the  United  State's,, 
in  behalf  of  ourselves  and  our  brethren  the  Soldiers,  beg 
leave,  with  all  proper  deference  and  respect,  freely  to  state 
to  Congress,  the  supreme  power  of  the  United  States,  the 
great  distress  under  which  we  labour. 

At  this  period  of  the  war,  it  is  with  peculiar  pain  we  ^nd 
.ourselves  constrained  to  address  your  august  body,  on 
matters  of  a  pecuniary  nature.  We  have  struggled  with 
our  difficulties.year  after  year,  under  the  hopes  that  each 
would  be  the  last ;  but  we  have  been  disappointed  We 
find  our  embarrassments  thicken  so  fast,  and  have  become 
so  complex,  that  many  of  us  are  unable  to  go  further.  In, 
this  exigence  we  apply  to  Congress  for  relief,  as  our  head 
and  sovereign. 

To  prove  that  our  hardships  are  exceedingly  dispropor- 
tionate to  those  of  any  other  citizens  of  America,  let  a  re- 
currence be  had  to  the  paymaster's  accounts,  for  lour  years 
past.  If  to  this  it  should  be  objected,  that  the  respective 
states  have  made  settlements,  and  given  securities  for  the 
pay  due  for  part  of  that  time,  let  the  present  value  of  tiiose 
nominal  obligations  be  ascertained  by  the  moniecl  in.-n9 
and  they  will  be  found  to  bs  worth  little  indeed  j  and  yet, 
30* 


342  APPENDIX. 

trifling  as  they  are,  many  have  been  under  the  sad  necessf- 
ty  of  parting  with  them,  to  prevent  their  families  from  ac- 
tually starving. 

We  complain  that  shadows  haveheen  offered  to  us,  while 
the  substance  has  been  gleaned  by  others.  Our  situation 
compels  us  to  search  for  the  cause  of  our  extreme  pover- 
/  ty.  The  citizens  murmur  at  the  greatness  of  their  taxes, 
and  are  astonished  that  no  part  reaches  the  army.  The  nu- 
merous demands  which  are  between  the  first  collectors 
and  the  soldiers,  swallow  up  the  whole.  Our  distresses 
are  now  brought  to  a  point.  We  have  borne  all  that  men 
can  bear;  our  property  is  expended  ;  our  private  resour- 
ces are  at  an  end  ;  and  our  friends  are  wearied  out  and 
disgusted  with  our  incessant  applications.  We  therefore- 
most  seriously  and  earnestly  beg,  that  a  supply  of  money 
may  be  forwarded  to  the  army,  as  soon  as  possible.  The 
uneasiness  cf  the  soldiers,  for  want  of  pay,  is  great  and  dan- 
gerous ;  any  further  experiment  on  their  patience,  may 
have  fatal  effects.  The  promised  subsistence  or  ration  of 
provisions,  consisted  of  certain  articles  specified  in  kind 
and  quality.  This  ration,  without  regard,  that  we  can  con- 
ceive, to  the  health  of  the  troops,  has  been  frequently  al- 
tered, as  necessity  or  conveniency  suggested  ;  generally 
losing  by  the  change  some  part  of  its  substance.  On  an 
average,  not  more  than  seven  or  eight  tenths  have  been 
issued  ;  the  retained  parts  were,  fora  short  time,  paid  for; 
but  the  business  became  troublesome  to  those  who  were 
to  execute  it.  For  this,  or  some  other  reason,  all  regard 
to  the  dues,  as  they  respected  the  soldiers,  has  been  dis- 
continued, now  and  then  a  trifling  gratuity  excepted.  As 
these  dues  respected  the  officers,  they  were  compensated 
during  one  year  and  part  of  another,  by  an  extra  ration. 
As  to  the  retained  rations,  the  account  for  several  year* 
remains  unsettled ;  there  is  a  large  balance  due  upon  it> 
and  a  considerable  sum  for  that  oi  forage. 

The  clothing  was  another  part  of  the  soldier's  hire.  The 
Arrearages  on  that  score,  for  the  year  1777,  were  paid  off 
in  continental  money,  when  the  dollar  was  worth  about 
fourpence  ;  the  arrearages  for  the  following  years,  are  un- 
liquidated, and  we  apprehend,  scarcely  thought  of,  but  by 
fhc  army.  Whenever  there  has  been  a  real  want  of  means* 
defect  in  system,  or  neglect  in  execution,  in  the  de- 


APPENIflX.  343 

partments  of  the  army,  we  have  invariably  been  the  suffer- 
crs,  by  hunger  and  nakedness,  and  by  languishing  in  an 
hospital.  We  beg  leave  to  urge  an  immediate  adjustment 
of  ail  dues  j  that  as  great  u  part  as  possible  be  paid,  and 
the  remainder  put  on  such  a  footing  as  will  restore  cheer- 
fulness to  the  army,  receive  confidence  in  the  justice  and 
generosity  of  its  constituents,  and  contribute  to  the  very 
desirable  effect  of  re-establishing  public  credit  We  are 
grieved  to  find,  that  our  brethren,  who  retired  from  ser- 
vice on  half  pay,  under  the  resolution  of  Congress,  1780, 
are  not  only  destitute  of  any  effectual  provision,  but  are 
'  become  the  objects  of  obloquy.  Their  condition  has  a 
.very  discouraging  aspect  on  us,  who  must  sooner  or  later 
retire,  and  from  every  consideration  of  justice,  gratitude, 
and  policy,  demands  attention  and  redress.  We  regard 
the  act  of  Congress,  respecting  half  pay,  as  an  honourable 
and  just  recompense  for  several  years  hard  service,  in 
which  the  health  and  fortunes  of  the  officers  have  been 
worn  down  and  exhausted.  We  see  with  chagrin,  the  odi- 
ous point  of  view,  in  which  the  citizens  of  too  many  of  the 
states  endeavour  to  place  the  men  entitled  to  it.  We  hope, 
for  the  honour  'of  human  nature,  that  there  are  none  so 
hardened  in  the  sin  of  ingratitude,  as  to  deny  the  justice 
of  the  reward.  We  have  reason  to  believe,  that  the  objec- 
tion generally  is  against  the  mode  only.  Yo  prevent  there- 
fore, any  altercations  and  distinctions,  which  may  tend  to 
injure  that  harmony  which  we  ardently  desire  may  reign 
throughout  the  community,  we  are  willing' to  commute  the^ 
half  pay  pledged,  for  full  pay,  for  a  certain  number  of  years,, 
or  for  a  sum  in  gross,  as  shall  be  agreed  to  by  the  com- 
mittee sent  with  this  address*  And  in  this  \ve  pray,  that 
the  disabled  officers  and  soldiers,  with  the  widows  and  or- 
phans of  those  wno  have  expended,  or  may  expend,  their 
lives  in  the  service  of  their  country,  maybe  fully  compre- 
hended. We  also  beg,  that  some  mode  may  be  pointed 
out  for  the  eventual  payment  of  those  soldiers,  who  are  the 
subjects  of  the  resolution  of  Congress  of  the  15th.  iVL.y, 
1778.  To  the  representation  now  made,  the  array  huve 
not  a  doubt  that  Congress  will  pay  uh  Ujat  Attention,  which 
the  serious  nature  of  it  requires  It  tfbuld  be  crirnhial  in 
the  officers  *.o  conceal  tht  general  dissatisfaction  which 
prevails,  and  is  gaining  ground  iu  the  army,  from  the  pres- 


426  APPENDIX. 

sure  of  evils  and  injuries,  which,  in  the  course  of  seven 
long  years,  have  made  their  condition,  in  many  instances, 
wretched.  They  therefore  entreat  that  Congress,  to  con- 
vince th?-  army  and  the  world,  that  the  independence  of 
America  shall  not  be  placed  on  the  ruin  of  any  particular 
class  of  her  citizens,  will  point  out  a  mode  of  immediate 
redress. 

H.  KNOX,  Major  General,  ~} 

JOHN  PATTERSON,  Brigadier  Gen.\        ^  offhe 

J.  GREATON,  Colonel,  >  Massachusetts  line. 

JOHN  CRANE,  Colonel, 


H.  MAXWELL,  Lieutenant  Colonel) 
J.  HUNTINGTON   Brigadier  General,"} 
H.  SWIFT,  Colonel,  [on  the  part  ofthe- 

SAMUEL  B.  WEBB,  Colonel,  f  Connecticut  line. 

E.  HUNTINGTON,  Lieutenant  Cot.      J 
P.  CORTLANDT,  Colonel,  on  the  fiart  of  the  New  York  line^ 

,  )  on  the  fiart  of  the 


~  n/r  .       1  on    the  part    of  the    New 

WILLIAM  SCOTT,  Major,^  f^mfls//re  Une. 

r   ^  >  on   the  hart   of  the- 

W.  EUSTIS,  Mortal  Surgeon, 


MOSES  HAZEN,  Brigadier  General. 
.©antonments,  Hudson's  River,  Dec.  1782. 


(NO.  II.) 

fRefcrred  to  in  page  197.J 


FAREWELL   ADDRESS   OF  GEN    WASHINGTON,   TO  TtfE 
ARMIES  OF  THE  UMTED  STATES. 

Rocky  Hill,  near  Princeton,  Novembers,  1783. 

THE  United  States  in  Congress  assembled,  after  giving 
the  *.:O:SL  iioiioiuuble  testimony  10  the  meriis  of  the  federal 
arnues;  and  presenting  them  witii  the  thanks  of  their  coup- 


APPENDIX. 


345 


try,  for  their  long,  eminent,  and  faithful  service,  having 
thought  proper,  by  their  proclamation,  bearing  date  the 
18th  of  October  last,  to  discharge  such  part  of  the  troops 
as  were  engaged  for  the  war,  and  to  permit  the  officers  on 
furlough  to  retire  from  service,  from  and  after  tomorrow  ; 
which  proclamation  having  been  communicated  in  the  pub- 
lic papers,  for  the  information  and  government  of  all  con- 
«erned,  it  only  remains  for  the  Commander  in  Chief  to 
address  himself  once  more,  and  that  for  the  last  time,  to 
the  armies  of  the  United  States,  however  widely  dispers- 
ed individuals  who  compose  them  may  bt,  and  to  bid  them 
an  affectionate,  a  long  farewell. 

But  before  the  Commander  in  Chief  takes  his  final  leave 
of  those  he  holds  most  dear,  he  wishes  to  indulge  himself 
a  few  moments  in  calling  to  mind  a  slight  view  of  the  past. 
He  will  then  take  the  liberty  of  exploring,  with  his  mili- 
tary friends,  their  future  prospects  ;  of  advising  the  gen- 
eral line  of  conduct,  which,  in  his  opinion,  ought  to  be 
pursued  ;  and  he  will  conclude  the  address,  by  expressing, 
the  obligations  he  feels  himself  under  for  the  spirited  and 
able  assistance  he  has  experienced  from  them,  in  the  per- 
formance of  an'arduous  office. 

A  contemplation  of  the  complete  attainment,  at  a  period 
earlier  than  could  have  been  expected,  of  the  object  for 
•which  we  contended,  against  so  formidable  a  power,  can- 
not but  inspire  us  with  astonishment  and  gratitude.  The 
disadvantageous  circumstances -on  our  part,  under  which 
the  war  was  undertaken,  can  never  be  forgotten.  The  sig- 
nal interpositions  of  Providerrce,  in  our  feeble  condition, 
were  such  as  could  scarcely  escape  the  attention  of  the 
most  unobserving ;  while  the  unparalleled  perseverance 
of  the  armies  of  the  United  States,  tnrough  almost  every 
possible  suffering  and  discouragement,  for  the  space  of 
eight  long  years,  was  little  short  of  a  standing  miracle. 

It  is  not  the  meaning,  nor  within  the  compass  of  this  ad- 
dress, to  detail  the  hardships  peculiarly  incident  to  our  ser- 
vice, or  to  describe  the  distresses  which,  in  several  instan- 
ces, have  resulted  from  the  extremes  of  hunger  and  na- 
kedness, combined  with  the  rigours  of  an  inclement  sea- 
son ;  nor  is  it  necessary  to  dwell  on  the  dark  side  ©f  oflr 
affairs. 


APPENDIX* 

Every  American  officer  and  soldier  must  now  console 
Ju'mself  for  any  unpleasant  circumstance  which  may  have 
occurred,  by  a  recollection  of  the  uncommon  scenes  in 
•which  he  has  been  called  to  act  no  inglorious  part,  and  the 
astonishing  events  of  which  he  has  been  a  witness;  events 
which  have  seldom,  if  ever  before,  taken  place  on  the  stage 
of  human  action  ;  nor  can  they  probably  ever  happen  again. 
For  who  has  before  seen  a  disciplined  army  formed  at 
once  from  such  raw  materials  ?  Who  that  was  not  a  wit- 
ness could  imagine  that  the  most  violent  local  prejudices 
would  cease  so  soon,  and  that  men  who  came  from  the  dif- 
ferent parts  of  the  continent,  strongly  disposed  by  the  hub- 
its  of  education  to  despise  and  quarrel  with  each  other, 
would  instantly  become  but  one  patriotic  band  of  brothers  ? 
Or  who  that  was  not  on  the  spot,  can  trace  the  steps  by 
whieh  such  a  wonderful  revolution  has  been  effected,  and 
such  a  glorious  period  put  to  all  our  warlike  toils  ? 

It  is  universally  acknowledged,  that  the  enlarged  pros- 
pects of  happinfess,  opened  by  the  confirmation  of  our  in- 
dependence and  sovereignty,  almost  exceed  the  power  of 
description ;  and  shall  not  the  brave  men  who  have  con- 
tributed so  essentially  to  these  inestimable  acquisitions, 
retiring  victorious  from  the  field  of  war  to  the  field  of  ag- 
riculture, participate  in  all  the  blessings  which  have  been 
obtained  ?  In  such  a  republic,  who  will  exclude  them  from, 
the  rights  of  citizens,  and  the  fruits  of  tneir  labours  ?  In 
such  a  country,  so  happily  circumstanced,  the  pursuits  of 
commerce,  and  the  cultivation  of  the  soil,  will  unfold  tp 
industry  the  certain  road  to  competence.  To  those  hardy 
soldiers  who  are  actuated  by  the  spirit  of  adventure,  the 
fisheries  will  afford  ample  and  profitable  employment ;  and 
the  extensive  and  ferule  regions  of  the  west,  will  yield  a 
most  happy  asylum  to  those  who,  fond  of  domestic  enjoy- 
ment, are  seeking  personal  independence.  Nor  is  it  pos- 
sible to  conceive  that  any  one  of  the  United  States  will 
prefer  a  national  bankruptcy,  and  the  dissolution  of  the 
union,  to  a  compliance  with  the  requisitions  of  Congress, 
and  the  payment  of  its  just  debts  ;  BO  that  the  officers  and 
soldiers  may  expect  considerable  assistance,  in  recom- 
mencing their  civil  occupations,  from  the  sums  due  to 
them  from  the  public,  which  must  and  will  most 
bly  be 


APPENDIX.  347 

In  order  to  effect  this  desirable  purpose,  and  remove 
the  prejudices  which  may  have  taken  possession  of  the 
minds  of  any  of  the  good  people  of  the  states,  it  is  earnest- 
ly recommended  to  all  the  troops,  that,  with  strong  attach- 
ment to  the  union,  they  should  carry  with  them  into  civil 
society  the  most  conciliating  dispositions,  and  that  they 
should  prove  themselves  not  less  virtuous  an»l  useful  as 
citizens,  than  they  have  been  victorious  as  soldiers.  What 
though  there  should  be  some  envious  individuals,  who  are 
•unwilling  to  pay  the  debt  the  public  has  contracted,  or  to 
yield  the  tribute  due  to  merit ;  yet,  let  such  unworthy  treat- 
ment produce  no  invective,  or  any  instance  of  intemperate 
conduct.     Let  it  be  remembered,  that  the  unbiassed  voice 
of  the  free  citizens  of  the  United  States,  has  promised  the 
just  reward,  and  given  the  merited  applause.     Let   it  be 
known  and  remembered,  that  the  reputation  of  the  feder- 
al armies  is  established  beyond  the  reach  of  malevolence  j 
and  let  a  consciousness  of  their  achievements  and  fume, 
still  excite  the  men  who  composed  them  to  honourable  ac- 
tions, under  the  persuasion  that  the  private  virtues  of  econ- 
omy, prudence,  and  industry,  will  not  be  less  amiable  in 
civil  life,  than  the  more  splendid  qualities  of  valour,  per- 
severance, and  enterprise,  were  in  the  field.     Every  one 
may  rest  assured,  that  much,  very  much  of  the  future  hap- 
piness ol  the  officers  and  men,  will  depend  upon  the  wise 
and  manly  conduct  which  shall  be  adopted  by  them,  when 
they  are  mingled  with  the   great  body  of  the  community. 
And,  although  the  General   has  so  frequently  given  it  as 
his  opinion,  in  the  most  public  and  explicit  manner,  that 
unless  the  principles  of  the  federal  government  were  prop- 
erly supported,  and  the  powers  of  fie  union  increased,  the 
honour,  dignity,  and  justice  of  the  nation,  would  be  lost 
for  ever;  yet  he  cannot  help  repeating,  on  this  occasion, 
so  interesting  a  sentiment,  and  leaving  it  as  his  last  injunc- 
tion to  every  officer  and  every  soldier,  who  may  view  the 
subject  in  the  same  serious  point  of  light,  to  add  his  best 
endeavours  to  those  of  his  worthy  feiiowcitizens,  toward 
effecting  these  great  and  valuable  purposes,  on  which  our 
very  existence  as  a  nation  so  materially  depends. 

The  Commander  in  Chief  conceives  little  is  now  want- 
ing to  enable  the  soldier  to  change  the  military  character 
into  thai  of  the  citizen,  but  that  steady,  decent  tenour  of 


348  APPENDli. 

behaviour,  which  has  generally  distinguished  not  only  the 
army  under  his  immediate  command,  but  the  different  de- 
'tachments  and  armies,  through  the  course  of  the  war. 
From  their  good  sense  and  prudence  he  anticipates  the 
happiest  consequences  ;  and  while  he  congratulates  them, 
^on  the  glorious  occasion  which  renders  their  services  in 
the  field  no  longer  necessary,  he  wishes  to  express  the 
strong  obligations  he  feels  himself  under,  for  the  assist- 
ance he  has  received  from  every  class,  and  in  every  in- 
stance. He  presents  his  thanks  in  the  most  serious  und 
affectionate  manner,  to  the  general  officers,  as  well  for 
their  counsels  on  many  interesting  occasions,  as  for  their 
ardour  in  promoting  the  success  of  the  plans  he  had  adopt- 
ed K  to  the  commandants  of  regiments,  and  corps,  and  to 
the  other  officers,  for  their  zeal  and  attention  in  carrying 
his  orders  promptly  into  execution  ;  to  the  staff,  for  their 
alacrity  and  exactness  in  performing  the  duties  of  their 
several  departments  ;  and  to  the  noncommissioned  officers 
and,  private  soldiers,  for  their  extraordinary  patience  and 
suffering,  as  well  as  their  invincible  fortitude  in  action. 
To  the  various  branches  of  the  army,  the  General  takes 
this  last  and  solemn  opportunity  of  professing  his  inviola- 
ble attachment  and  friendship.  He  wishes  more  than 
bare  professions  were  in  his  power,  that  he  was  really  able 
to  be  useful  to  them  all  in  future  life.  He  flatters  him- 
self, however,  they  will  do  him  the  justice  to  believe,  that 
whatever  could  with  propriety  be  attempted  by  him,  has 
been  done. 

And  being  now  to  conclude  these  his  last  public  orders, 
to  take  his  ultimate  leave  in  a  short  time  of  the  military 
character,  and  to  bid  a  final  adieu  to  the  armies  he  has  so 
long  had  the  honour  to  command,  he  can  only  again  ofi'cr 
in  their  behalf,  his  recommendations  to  their  grateful, 
country,  and  his  prayers  to  the  God  of  armies.  May  am-* 
pi;  jusiice  be  done  them  here,  and  may  the  choicest  of 
Heaven's  favours,  both  here  and  hereafter,  attend  those 
•who,  under  the  divine  auspices,  have  secured  innumera- 
ble blessings  for  others.  With  these  wishes,  and  this  ben- 
ediction, the  Commander  in  Chief  is  about  to  retire  from 
.service.  The  ciiruiii  of  separation  wiii  t/jo»  be 
Knd  tae  military?  scene  to  him  wiii  be  closed  for  ever. 


I 

APPENDIX.  349 


{VO.  IIL) 

.  WASHINGTON'S  WILL- 


VIRGINIA,  Fairfax,  ss. 

J,  George  Deneale,  Clerk  of  Fairfax  County  Court,  do  cer- 
tify, That  the  subsequent  cofiy  of  the  last  Will  and  Testa- 
ment O/GEORGE  WASHINGTON,  deceased,  late  President 
of  the  United  States  of  America,  with  the  Schedule  annex- 
e.d,  is  a  true  copy  from  the  original,  recorded  in  my  office. 

In  testimony  luhereof,  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand, 
this  23d.  day  of  January,  1800. 

GEO.  DENEALE,  C.  F.  C. 


/JV*  THE  MAME  OF  GOD,  Amen. 

I,  GEORGE  WASHINGTON,  of  Mount  Vernon,  a  cit- 
izen of  the  United  States,  and  lately  president  of  the  same^ 
Do  make,  ordain,  and  declare  this  Instrument,  which  is 
•written  with  my  own  hand,  and  every  page  thereof  sub- 
scribed with  my  name,*  to  be  my  LAST  WILL  AND  TESTA- 
MENT, revoking  all  others. 

Imfirimia.  All  my  debts,  of  which  there  are  but  few, 
and  none  of  magnitude,  are  to  be  punctually  and  speedily 
paid  ;  and  the  legacies  herein  after  bequeathed,  are  to  be 
discharged  as  soon  as  circumstances  will  permit,  and  iii 
the  manner  directed. 

Item.  To  my  dearly  beloved  wife,  Martha  Washington^ 
I  give  and  bequeath  the  use,  profit,  and  benefit  of  my  whole 
estate,  real  and  personal,  for  the  term  of  her  .nutuiui  life, 
except  such  parts  thereof  as  are  specially  disposed  of  here- 

*  In  the  original  manuscript,  CE^RCE  WASHINGTON'S  name  is 
V'ritten  at  the  bottom  of  cver\  i-agc.  ^ 

SI 


350  APPENDIX. 

tfter.  My  improved  lot  in  the  town  of  Alexandria,  situ- 
ated on  Pitt  and  Cameron  streets,  I  give  to  her  and  her 
heirs  for  ever;  as  I  also  do  my  household  and  kitchen  fur- 
niture oi  every  sort  and  kind,  with  the  liquors  and  groce- 
ries which  may  be  on  hand  at  the  time  of  my  decease,  to 
be  used  and  disposed  of  as  she  may  think  proper. 

Item.  Upon  the  decease  of  my  wife,  it  is  my  will  and 
desire,  that  all  the  slaves  which  I  hold  in  my  own  righfy 
shall  receive  their  freedom.  To  emancipate  them  during 
her  life,  would,  though  earnestly  wished  by  me,  be  attend- 
ed with  such  insuperable  difficulties,  on  account  of  their 
intermixture  by  marriages  with  the  dower  negroes,  as  to 
excite  the  most  painful  sensations,  if  not  disagreeable  con- 
sequences to  the  latter,  while  both  descriptions  are  in  the 
occupancy  of  the  same  proprietor;  it  not  being  in  my 
power,  under  the  tenure  by  which  the  dower  negroes  are 
held,  to  manumit  them.  And  whereas,  among  those  who 
will  receive  freedom  according  to  this  devise,  there  may 
be  some  who,  from  old  age  or  bodilvinfirmities,  and  others 
who,  on  account  of  their  infancy,  will  be  nimble  to  support 
themselves,  it  is  my  will  and  des^Jpthat  all  who  come  un- 
der the  first  and  second  description,  shall  be  comfortably 
clothed  and  fed  by  my  heirs  while  they  live  ;  and  that  such 
of  the  latter  description  as  have  no  parent*  living,  or,  if 
living,  are  unable  or  unwilling;  to  provide  for  them,  shall 
be  bound  by  the  court  until  they  shall  arrive  at  the  age  of 
twenty  five  years;  and  in  cases  where  no  record  can  be 
produced,  whereby  their  ages  can  be  ascertained,  the  judg- 
ment cf  the  court,  upon  its  own  view  of  the  subject,  shall 
be  adequate  and  final.  The  negroes  thus  bound,  are,  by 
their  masters  or  mistresses,  to  be  taught  to  read  and  write, 
and  be  brought  up  to  some  useful  occupation,  agreeably, 
to  the  laws  of  the  commonwealth  of  Virginia,  providing 
for  the  support  cf  orphan  aiij^other  poor  children,  And 
J  do  hereby  expressly  forbid  the  sale  or  transportation  out 
of  the  said  commonwealth,  of  any  slave  I  may  die  possess- 
ed of,  under  any  pretence  whatsoever.  And  I  do  more- 
over most  pointedly  and  most  solemnly  enjoin  it  upon  my 
execiuors  riereafter  named,  or  the  survivors  of  them,  to 
see  that  thin  ciuuse  respiting  skives,  and  every  part  there- 
pf,  be  religiously  fulfilled  at  the  epoch  at  which  it  is  di- 
rected to  take  pjsicey  wUlBut -evasion,  neglect,  or  del.iy, 


APPENDIX. 

after  the  crops  which  may  then  be  on  the  ground  are  har- 
vested, particularly  as  it  respects  the  aged  and  infirm  j 
seeing  that  a  regular  and  permanent  fund  be  established 
for  their  support  as  long  as  they  are  subjects  requiring  it, 
not  trusting  to  the  uncertain  provision  made  by  individu- 
als. And,  to  my  mulatto  man,  William,  calling  himself 
William  Lee-,  I  give  immediate  freedom,  or  if  he  should 
prefer  it,  on  account  of  the  accidents  which  have  befallen 
him,  and  which  have  rendered  him  incapable  of  walking, 
or  of  any  active  employment,  to  remain  in  the  situation  he 
now  is,  it  shall  be  optional  in  him  to  do  so  ;  in  either  case, 
however,  I  allow  him  an  annuity  of  thirty  dollars  during 
his  natural  life,  which  shall  be  independent  of  the  victuals 
ajid  clothes  he  has  been  accustomed  to  receive,  if  he  choos- 
es the  latter  alternative  ;  but  in  full  with  his  freedom,  if 
he  prefers  the  first ;  and  this  I  give  him  as  a  testimony  of 
my  sense  of  his  attachment  to  me,  and  for  his  faithful  ser- 
vices during  the  revolutionary  war. 

Item.  To  the  trustees,  governors,  or  by  whatsoever 
other  name  they  mM^e  designated,  of  the  academy  in  the 
town  of  AlexandriJH^ive  and  bequeath,  in  tru.it,  four 
thousand  dollars,  or  father  words,  twenty  of  the  shares 
which  I  hold  in  the  bank  of  Alexandria,  toward  the  sup- 
port of  a  free  school,  established  at,  and  annexed  to,  the 
said  academy,  for  the  purpose  of  educating  orphan  chil- 
dren, or  the  children  of  such  other  poor  and  indigent  per- 
sons, as  arc  unable  to  accomplish  it  with  their  own  means, 
and  who,  in  th^fciclgment  of  the  trustees  of  the  said  sem- 
inary, are  best  entitled  to  the  benefit  of  this  donation.  THl 
aforesaid  twenty  shares  I  give  and  bequeath  in  perpetuity, 
the  dividends  only  of  which  are  to  be  drawn  for,  and  ap- 
plied by  the  said  trustees,  for  the  time  being,  for  the  uses 
above-mentioned  ;  the  stock  to  remain  entire  and  untouch- 
ed, unless  indications  of  failure  of  the  said  bank  should 
be  so  apparent,  or  a  discontinuance  thereof  should  ren- 
der a  removal  of  this  fund  necessary.  In. either  of 
these  cases,  the  amount  of  the  stock  here  devised  is  to  be 
vested  in  some  other  bank,  or  public  institution,  whereby 
the  interest  may  with  regularity  and  certainty  be  drawn 
and  applied  as  above.  And,  to  prevent  misconception,  my 
meaning  is,  and  is  hereby  declared  to  be,  that  these  twen- 
ty shares  arc  in  lieu  of,  and  \\ty  in  addition  to?  the  1000l« 


352  APPENDIX. 


by  a  missive  letter  some  years  ago,  in  consequent© 
whereof  an  annuity  of  501.  has  since  been  paid  toward  the 
support  of  this  institution. 

Item.  Whereas  by  a  law  of  the  commonwealth  of  Vir- 
ginia, enacted  in  the  year  1785,  the  legislature  thereof  was 
pleased,  as  an  evidence  of  its  approbation  of  the  services 
I  had  rendered  the  public  during  the  revolution,  and  part- 
ly, I  believe,  in  consideration  of  my  having  suggested  the 
vast  advantages  which  the  community  would  derive  from 
the  extension  of  its  inland  navigation,  under  legislative 
patronage,  to  present  me  with  one  hundred  shares  of  one 
hundred  dollars  each,  in  the  incorporated  company  estab- 
lished for  the  purpose  of  extending  the  navigation  of  James 
•river,  from  the  tide  water  to  the  mountains  ;  and  also  with 
fifty  shares  of  1001.  sterling  each,  in  the  corporation  of 
another  company,  likewise  established  for  the  similar  pur- 
pose of  opening  the  navigation  of  the  river  Potoivmac,  from 
the  tide  water  to  Fort  Cumberland  ;  the  acceptance  of 
which,  although  the  offer  was  highly  honourable  and  grate- 
ful to  my  feelings,  was  refused,  as  ij^Misistent  with  a  prin- 
ciple which  I  had  adopted,  and  hyJI^ver  departed  from'; 
namely,  not  to  receive  pecuniary  cSfepensation  for  any  ser- 
vices I  could  render  my  country  in  its  arduous  struggle 
with  Great  Britain  for  its  rights,  and  because  I  had  evad- 
ed similar  propositions  from  other  states  in  the  union  ? 
Adding  to  this  refusal,  however,  an  intimation,  that,  if  it 
should  be  the  pleasure  of  the  legislature  to  permit  me  to 
^apropriate  the  said  shares  to  fiublic  uses,  I  would  receive 
tnim  on  those  terms  with  due  sensibility  ;  and  this  it  hav- 
ing consented  to,  in  flattering  terms,  as  will  appear  by  a 
subsequent  law,  and  sundry  resolutions,  in  the  most  am- 
ple and  honourable  manner.  I  proceed,  after  this  recital, 
for  the  more  correct  understanding  of  the  case,  to  declare, 
That  as  it  has  always  been  a  source  of  serious  regret  with 
me,  to  sec  the  youth  of  these  United  States  sent  to  foreign 
countries  for  the  purposes  of  education,  often  before  then- 
minds  were  formed,  or  they  had  imbibed  any  adequate 
ideas  of  the  hapjj^iness  of  their  own  ;  contracting,  too  fre- 
quently, not  only  habits  of  dissipation  and  extravagance. 
but  firincifiles  unfriendly  to  republican  government,  and  to 
the  true  and  genuine  liberties  of  mankind,  which,  thereafter, 
are,  rarely  overcome.  Foiy^ese  reasons,  it  has  been  my 


APPENDIX.  353 

ardent  wish  to  see  a  plan  devised,  on  a  liberal  scale,  which 
tvould  have  a  tendency  to  spread  systematic  ideas  through 
all  parts  of  this  rising  empire,  thereby  to  do  away  local  at- 
tachments and  state  prejudices,  as  far  as  the  nature  of 
things  would,  or  indeed  ought  to  admit,  from  our  national 
councils.  Looking  anxiously  forward  to  the  accomplish- 
ment of  so  desirable  an  object  as  this  is,  in  my  estimation, 
my  mind  has  not  been  able  to  contemplate  any  plan  more 
likely  to  effect  the  measure,  than  the  establishment  of  a 
university  irt  a  central  part  of  the  United  States,  to  which 
the  youths  of  fortune  and  talents  fronf  all  parts  thereof, 
might  be  sent  for  the  completion  of  their  education  in  all 
the  branches  of  polite  literature,  in  the  arts  and  sciences, 
in  acquiring  knowledge  in  the  principles  of  politics  and 
good  government ;  and,  as  a  matter  of  infinite  importance 
in  my  judgment,  by  associating  writh  each  other,  and  form- 
ing friendships  in  juvenile  years,  be  enabled  to  free  them- 
selves, in  a  proper  degree,  from  those  local  prejudices 
and  habitual  jealousies  which  have  just  been  mentioned, 
and  which,  when  carried  to  excess,  are  never  failing  sourc- 
es of  disquietude  to  the  public  mind,  and  pregnant  of  mis- 
chievous consequences  to  this  country.  Under  these  im- 
pressions, so  fully  dilated, 

Item.  I  give  and  bequeath,  in  perpetuity,  the  fifty  shares 
which  I  hold  in  the  Potowmac  company,  under  the  afore- 
said acts  of  the  legislature  of  Virginia,  toward  the  endow- 
ment of  a  university,  to  be  established  within  the  limits  of 
the  district  of  Columbia,  under  the  auspices  of  the  gener- 
al government,  if  that  government  should  incline  to  extend 
a  fostering  hand  toward  it ;  and  until  such  seminary  is  es- 
tablished, and  the  funds  arising  on  thcbe  shares  shall  be 
required  for  its  support,  my  further  will  and  desire  is,  that 
the  profit  accruing  therefrom,  shall,  whenever  the  divid- 
ends are  made,  be  laid  out  in  purchasing  stock  in  the  bank 
of  Columbia,  or  some  other  bank,  at  the  discretion  of -my 
executors,  or  by  the  treasurer  of  the  U  piled  States  for  the 
time  being,  under  the  direction  of  Congress,  provided  that 
honourable  body  should  patronize  the  measure  ;  and  the 
dividends  proceeding  from  the  purchase  of  such  stock  ure 
to  be  vested  in  more  stock,  aiid  so  on,  until  u.  sum  adequate 
to  tne  accomplishment  of  the  object  is  obtained,  of  v/aich, 
I  have  not  the  smallest  doubt  before  many  years  pass  avvav« 
31* 


354  APPENDIX. 

even  if  no  aid  or  encouragement  is  given  by  legislative  an-* 
thority,  or  from  any  other  source. 

Item.  The  hundred  shares  which  I  hold  in  the  James 
river  company,  I  have  given,  and  now  confirm,  in  p^rpe- 
tuity,  to  and  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  Liberty  Hall  Acad- 
emy, in  the  county  of  Rockbridge,  in  the  commonwealth 
of  Virginia. 

Item.  I  release,  exonerate,  and  discharge,  the  estate  of 
my  deceased  brother,  Samuel  Washington,  from  the  pay- 
ment of  the  money  which  is  due  to  me  for  the  land  I  sold 
to  Philip  Pendleto*,  lying  in  the  county  of  Bereklcy,  who 
assigned  the  same  to  him,  the  said  Samuel,  who,  by  agree- 
ment, was  to  pay  me  therefor  ;  and  whereas  by  some  con- 
tract, the  purport  of  which  was  never  communicated  to 
me,  between  the  said  Samuel  and  his  son  Thornton  Wash- 
ington, the  latter  became  possessed  of  the  aforesqdfi  land, 
•without  any  conveyance  having  passed  from  me,  euner  to 
the  said  Pendlctonflbe  said  Samitcl,  or  the  said  Thornton, 
and  without  any  consideration  having  been  made,  by  which 
neglect,  neither  the  legal  nor  equitable  title  has  been  ali- 
enated; it  rests  therefore  with  me,  to  declare  my  inten- 
tions concerning  the  premises  ;  and  these  are,  to  give  and 
bequeath  the  said  land  to  whomsoever  the  said  Thornton, 
Washington,  who  is  also  dead,  devised  the  same,  or  to  his 
heirs  for  ever,  if  he  died  intestate,  exonerating  the  estato 
of  the  said  Thornton-,  equally  with  that  of  the  said  Samuel't 
from  payment  of  the  purchase  money,  which,  with  inter- 
est, agreeably  to  the  original  contract  with  the  said  Pen- 
dlcton,  would  amount  to  more  than  10001.  And  whereas, 
two'oth^r  sons  of  my  said  deceased  brother  Samuel,  name- 
ly, George  Stefitoe  Washington,  and  Lawrence  Augustine 
Washington,  were,  bythe  decease  of  those  to  whose  care 
they  were  committed,  brought  under  my  protection,  and, 
in  consequence,  have  occasioned  advances  on  my  part  for 
their  education  at  college  and  other  schools,  and  for  their 
bourd,  clothing,  and  other  incidental  expenses,  to  the 
amount  of  near  five  thousand  dollars,- over  and  above  the 
sums  furnished  by  their  estate  ;  which  sum  it  may  be  in- 
Convenient  for*them  or  their  father's  estate  to  refund.  I 
do,  for  these  reasons,  acquit  them  and  the  said  estate  from 
•the  payment  thereof ;  my  intention  being,  that  all  accounts 
-between  them  and  me,  and  their  father's  estate  and  me* 
stand 


APVENI3IY.  355 

Item.  The  balance,  due  to  me  from  the  estate  of  Bar- 
tholomew Dandridge,  deceased,  my  wife's  brother,  and 
which  amounted,  on  the  first  day  of  October,  1795,  to  4251. 
as  will  appear  by  an  account  rendered  by  his  deceased  son, 
John  Dandndge,  who  was  the  acting  executor  of  his  futh- 
er's  will,  I  release  and  acquit  from  the  payment  thereof. 
And  the  negroes,  then  thirty  three  in  number,  formerly 
belonging  to  the  said  estate,  who  were  taken  in  execution, 

sold,  and  purchased  in  on  my  account,  in  the  year* — • , 

and  ever  since  have  remained  in  the  possession  and  to  the 
use  of  Mary,  widow  of  the  said  Burth.  Dandridge,  with 
their  increase,  it  is  my  will  and  desire,  shall  continue  and 
be  in  her  possession,  without  paying  hire,  or  making  com- 
pensation for  the  same,  for  the  time  past  or  to  come,  dur- 
ing her  natural  life  ;  at  the  expiration  of  which,  I  direct, 
that  all  of  them  who  are  forty  years  old  and  upward,  shall 
receive  their  freedom  ;  all  under  that  age  and  above  six- 
teen, shull  serve  seven  years,  and  no  longer;  and  all  un- 
der sixteen  years,  shall  serve  until  they  are  twenty  five 
years  of  age,  and  then  be  free.  And  to  avoid  disputes  re- 
specting the  ages  of  any  of  these  negroes,  they  are  to  be 
taken  into  the  court  of  the  county  in  which  they  reside, 
and  the  judgment  thereof,  in  this  relation,  shall  be  final? 
and  record  thereof  made,  which  may  be  adduced  as  evi- 
dence at  any  time  thereafter,  if  disputes  should  arise  con- 
cerning the  same.  And  I  further  direct,  that  the  heirs  of 
the  said  Earth.  Dandridge,  shall  equally  share  the  benefits 
arising  from  the  services  of  the  said  negroes,  according  to 
the  tenor  of  this  devise,  upon  the  decease  of  their  mother. 

Item.  If  Charles  Carter,  who  intermarried  with  my 
niece  Betty  Lewis,  is  not  sufficiently  secured  in  the  title  to 
the  lots  'he  had  of  me  in  the  town  of  Fredericksburg,  it  is 
my  will  and  desire,  that  my  executors  shall  make  such  con- 
veyances of  them  as  the  law  requires  to  render  it  perfect. 

Item.  To  my  nephew,  William  Aitgustiim  Washington^ 
and  his  heirs,  if  he  should  conceive  theni  to  be  objects 
•worth  prosecuting,  a  lot  in  the  town  of  Manchester,  oppo- 
site to  Richmond,  No.  265,  drawn  on  my  sole  account,  and 
also  the  tenth  of  one  or  two  hundred  acre  lots,  and  two  OP 
three  halt  acre  lots,  in  the  city  and  vicinity  ot  Richmond, 
drawn  in  purtnersftip  with  mn-e  others,  all  in  the  lottery  of 
the  deceased  Wiiiiujn,  J3ird?  are  given  i  &,5  is  also  a  Jot. 


356  APPENDIX. 

which  I  purchaser!  of  John  Hood,  conveyed  by  William 
Willie  and  Samuel  Gordon,  trustees  of  the  said  John 
Hood,  numbered  139,  in  the  town  of  Edinburgh,  in  the 
county  of  Prince  George,  state  of  Virginia. 

Item.  To  my  nephew,  Bushrcd  Washington,  I  give  and 
bequeath  all  the  papers  in  my  possession  which  relate  to 
my  civil  and  military  administration  of  the  affairs  of  this 
country  ;  I  leave  to  him  also  such  of  my  private  papers  as 
are  worth  preserving  ;  and,  at  the  decease  of  my  wife,  and 
before,  if  she  is  not  inclined  to  retain  them,  I  give  and  be- 
queath my  library  of  books  and  pamphlets  of°every  kind. 
Item.  Having  sold  lands  which  I  possessed  in  the  state 
of  Pennsylvania,  and  part  of  a  tract  held  in  equal  right 
with  George  Clinton,  late  governor  of  New  York  ;  my 
share  of  land  and  interest  in  the  Great  Dismal  Swamp, 
and  a  tract  of  land  which  I  owned  in  the  county  of  Glouc- 
ester ;  withholding  the  legal  titles  thereto,  until  the  con- 
sideration money  should  be  paid  ;  and  having  moreover 
leased,  and  conditionally  sold,  as  will  appear  by  the  tenor 
of  the  said  leases,  nil  my  lands  upon  the  Great  Kenhawar 
and  a  tract  upon  Difficult  Run,  in  the  county  of  London, , 
it  is  my  will  and  direction,  that  whensoever  the  contracts- 
are  fully  and  respectively  complied  with,  according  to  the 
spirit,  true  intent,  and  meaning  thereof,  on  the  part  of  the 
purchasers,  their  heirs  or  assigns,  that  then,  and  in  that 
case,  conveyances  are  to  be  made,  agreeable  to  the  terms 
of  the  said  contracts,  and  the  money  arising  therefrom,, 
when  paid',  to  be  vested  in  bank  stock ;  the  dividends- 
whereof,  as  of  that  also  which  is  already  vested  therein,  is 
to  inure  to  my  said  wife  during  her  life  ;  but  the  stock  it- 
self is  to  remain  and  be  subject  to  the  general  distribution 
hereafter  directed. 

Item.  To  the  Earl  of-  Buchan,  I  recommit  "  the  box 
made  of  the  oak  that  sheltered  the  brave  Sir  William  Wal- 
lace after  the  Battle  of  Falkirk,"  presented  to  me  by  his 
lordship  in  terms  too  flattering  for  me  to  repeat,  with  a 
request  "  to  pass  it,  on  the  event  of  my  decease,  to  the 
limn  in  my  country  who  should  appear  to  merit  it  best, 
upon  the  same  conditions  that  have  induced  him  to  send 
it  to  me."  Whether  easy  or  riot,  to  select  THE  MAN  who 
might  comport  with  his  lordship's  opinion  in  this  respect} 
is  not  for  me  to  say  j  but  conceiving  that  no  disposition! 


APPENDIX. 


357 


of this  valuable  curiosity  can  be  more  eligible  than  the  re- 
commitment of  it  to  his  own  cabinet,  agreeably  to  the  orig- 
inal design  of  the  Goldsmith's  company  of  Edinburgh*  who 
presented  it  to  him,  and,  at  his  request,  consented  that  it 
should  be  transferred  to  me.  I  do  give  and  bequeath  the 
same  to  his  lordship ;  and,  in  case  of  his  decease,  to  his 
heir,  with  my  grateful  thanks  for  the  distinguished  hon- 
our of  presenting  it  to  me,  and  more  especially  for  the  fa- 
vourable sentiments  with  which  he  accompanied  it 

Item.  To  my  brother,  Charles  Washington,  I  give  and 
bequeath  the  gold  headed  cane  left  me  by  Dr.  Franklin,  in 
his  will.  I  add  nothing  to  it,  because  of  the  ample  provi- 
sion I  have  made  for  his  issue.  To  the  acquaintances  and 
friends  of  my  juvenile  years,  Lawrence  Washington  and 
Robert  Washington,  of  Chotanct,  I  give  my  other  two  gold 
headed  canes,  having  my  arms  engraved  on  them  ;  and  to 
each,  as  they  will  be  useful  where  they  live,  I  leave  one 
of  the  spyglasses,  which  constituted  part  of  my  equipage 
during  the  late  war.  To  my  compatriot  in  arms,  and  old 
and  intimate  friend,  Dr.  Craik,  I  give  my  bureau,  or,  as 
the  cabinetmakers  call  it,  tambour  secretary,  and  the  cir- 
cular chair  an  appendage  of  my  study.  To  Dr.  David 
Stewart,  I  give  my  large  shaving  and  dressing  table,  and 
my  telescope.  To  the  reverend,  now  Bryan  Lord  Fairfax^ 
I  give  a  Bible,  in  three  large  folio  volumes,  with  notes, 
presented  to  me  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Thomas  Wilson,  bishop 
of  Sodor  and-  Man.  To  Gen.  De  la  Fayette,  I  give  a  pair 
of  finely  wrought  steel  pistols,  taken  from  the  enemy  in 
the  revolutionary  war'.  To  my  sisters  in  law,  Hannah. 
Washington  and  Mildred  Washington  ;  to  my  friends,  Ele~ 
anor  Stuart,  Hannah  Washington,  of  Fairficld,  and  Eliza- 
beth Washington,  of  Hayfield,  I  give  each  a  mourning  ring 
of  the  value  of  one  hundred  dollars.  These  bequests  are 
not  made  for  the  intrinsic  value  of  them,  but  us  mementos 
of  my  esteem  and  regard.  To  Tobias  Lear,  I  give  th$ 
use  of  the  farm  which  he  now  holds,  in  virtue  of  a  lease 
from  me  to  him  and  his  deceased  wife,  for  and  during  thciy 
natural  lives,  free  from  rent  during  his  life  ;  at  the  expi- 
vation  of  which,  it  is  to  be  disposed  of  as  is  hereinafter  di- 
rected. To  Sally  B.  Hayrdc*,  a  distant  relation  of  mine,  I 
give  and  bequeath  three  hundred  dollars.  To  Sarah  Green, 
daughter  of  the  deceased  T/iomqs  Bishop  and  to 


358 


APPENDIX. 


Walker ,  daughter  of  John  Alton,  also  deceased,  I  give  each 
one  hundred  dollars,  in  consideration  of  the  attachment  of 
their  fathers  to  me,  each  of  whom  having  lived  nearly  for- 
ty years  in  my  family.  To  each  of  my  nephews,  William 
tfugustine  Washington^  George  Lewis,  George  Stcjitoe 
Washington,  liushrod  Washington,  and  Samuel  Washing- 
ton, I  give  one  of  the  swords,  or  ctitteaux,  of  which  1  may 
die  possessed  ;  and  they  are  to  choose  in  the  order  they 
are  named.  These  swords  are  accompanied  with  an  in- 
junction, not  to  unsheath  them  for  the  purpose  of  shed- 
ding blood,  except  it  be  for  self  defence,  or  in  defence  of 
their  country  and  its  rights  ;  and,  in  the  latter  case,  to  keep 
them  unsheathed,  and  prefer  falling  with  them  in  their 
hands,  to  the  reiinquislunent  thereof. 

And  now,  having  gone  through  these  specific  devises, 
•with  explanations  for  the  more  correct  understanding  of 
the  meaning  and  design  of  them,  I  proceed  to  the  distri- 
bution of  the  more  important  parts  of  my  estate,  in  man- 
ner following. 

First.  To  my  nephew%  Bushrod  Washington,  and  his 
heirs,  partly  in  consideration  of  an  intimation  to  his  de- 
ceased father,  while  we  were  bachelors,  and  he  had  kind- 
ly undertaken  to  superintend  my  estate  during  my  milita- 
ry services  in  the  former  war  between  Great  Britain  and 
France,  that  if  I  should  fall  therein,  Mount  Vemon,  then, 
less  extensive  in  domain  than  at  present,  should  become 
Jhis  property,  I  give  and  bequeath  all  that  part  thereof 
which  is  comprehended  within  the  following  limits,  viz. 
Beginning  at  the  ford  of  Dogue  run,  near  my  mill,  and 
extending  along  the  road,  and  bounded  thereby,  as  it  now 
goes,  and  ever  has  gone,  since  my  recollection  of  it,  to  the 
ford  of  Little  Hunting  creek,  at  the  Gum  Spring,  until  it 
comes  to  a  knowl  opposite  to  an  old  road  which  formerly 
passed  through  the  lower  field  of  Muddyhole  farm,  at 
which,  on  the  north  side  of  the  said  road,  are  three  red  or 
Spanish  oaks,  marked  as  a  corner,  and  a  stone  placed; 
thence  by  a  line  of  trees  to  be  marked  rectangular,  t  >  'he 
back  line  or  outer  boundary  of  the  tract  between  Thomas 
Mason  and  myself;  thence  with  that  line  easterly,  now 
double  ditching,  with  a  post  and  rail  fence  thereon,  to  the 
run  of  Little  Hunting  creek  ;  thence  \viLh  that  run,  which 
"is  the  boundary  between  the  lands  of  the  late  H.  Peake  and 


APPENDIX.  359 

me,  to  the  tide  water  of  the  said  creek  ;  thence  by  that 
water  to  Potowmac  river;  thence  with  the  river  to  the 
mouth  of  Dogue  creek,  and  thence  with  the  said  Dogue 
creek  to  the  place  of  beginning  at  the  aforesaid  ford  ;  con- 
taining upward  of  four  thousand  acres,  be  the  same  more 
or  less,  together  with  the  mansion  house  and  all  other 
buildings  and  improvements  thereon. 

Second.  .  In  consideration  of  the  consanguinity  between 
them  and  my  wife,  being  as  nearly  related  to  her  as  to  my- 
self, as  on  account  of  the  affection  I  had  for,  and  the  obli- 
gation I  was  under  to,  their  father,  when  living,  who  from 
his  youth,  had  attached  himself  to  my  person,  and  follow- 
ed my  fortunes  through  the  vicissitudes  of  the  late  revo- 
lution, afterward  devoting  his  time  to  the  superintendence 
of  my  private  concerns  for  many  years,  whilst  my  public 
employments  rendered  it  impracticable  for  me  to  do  it 
myself,  thereby  affording  me  essential  services,  and  al- 
ways performing  them  in  a  manner  the  most  filial  and  re- 
spectful. For  these  reasons,  I  say,  I  give  and  bequeatk 
to  George  Fayette  Washington,  and  Lawrence  Augustine 
Washington,  and  their  heirs,  my  estate  east  of  Little  Hunt- 
ing creek,  lying  on  the  river  Potowmac,  including  the 
farm  of  three  hundred  and  sixty  acres,  leased  to  Tobias 
L^ar,  as  ndticed  before,  and  containing  in  the  whole,  by 
deed,  two  thousand  and  twenty  seven  acres,  be  it  more  or 
less  ;  which  said  estate  It  is  my  will  and  desire  should  be 
equitably  and  advantageously  divided  between  them,  ac- 
cording to  quantity, quality,  and  other  circumstances,  when 
the  youngest  shall  have  arrived  at  the  age  of  twenty  one 
years,  by  three  judicious  and  disinterested  men  ;  one  to  be 
chosen  by  each  of  the  brothers,  and  the  third  by  these  two. 
In  the  mean  time,  if  the  termination  of  my  wife's  interest 
therein  should  have  ceased,  the  profits  arising  therefrom 
are  to  be  applied  for  their  joint  uses  and  benefit. 

Third.  And  whereas,  it  has  always  been  my  intention, 
since  my  expectation  of  having  issue' has  ceased,  to  consid- 
er the  grand  children  of  my  wife,  in  the  same  light  as  I 
do  my  own  relations,  and  to  act  a  friendly  part  by  them, 
more  especially  by  the  two  whom  we  have  raised  from 
•their  earliest  infancy  ;  namely,  Eleanor  Park  Cuvtis,  and 
George  IVuahington  Park  Custis ;  and  whereas,  the  form- 
er of  these  hath  lately  intermarried  with  Lawrence  Lewis  * 


360  APPENDIX. 

a  son  of  my  deceased  sister,  Betty  Lfwia,l>y  which  Uhioti 
the  inducement  to  provide  for  them  both  has  been  increas- 
ed ;  wherefore  I  give  and  bequeath  to  the  said  Lawrence 
j£wisi  and  Eleanor  Park  Lewis  his  wife,  and  their  heirs, 
the  residue  of  my  Mount  Vernon  estate,  not  already  de- 
vised to  myjnepbew,  Bushrod  Washington,  comprehended 
•within  the  following  description,  viz.  AH  the  land  north 
of  the  road  leading  from  the  ford  ofDogue  run  to  the 
Gum  Spring,  as  described  in  the  devise  of  the  other  part 
of  the  tract  to  Rushrod  Washington,  until  it  comes  to  the 
stone,  and  three  red  or  Spanish  oaks  on  the  knowl ;  thence 
\fith  the  rectangular  line  to  the  back  line,  between  Mr. 
Mason  and  me  ;  thence  with  that  line  westerly  along  the 
new  double  ditch  to  Dogue  run,  by  the  tumbling  dam  of 
my  mill ;  thence  with  the  said  run  to  the  ford  aforemen- 
tioned ;  to  which  I  add  all  the  land  I  possess  west  of  the 
<said  Dogue  run  and  Dogue  creek,  bounded  easterly  and 
southerly  thereby  ;  together  with  the  mill,  distillery,  and 
all  other  houses  and  improvements  on  the  premises  ;  mak*- 
ing  together  about  two  thousand  acres,  be  it  more  or  less. 

fourth.  Actuated  by  the  principle  already  mentioned, 
J  give  and  bequeath. to  George  Washington  Park  Cuxtis, 
the  grandson  of  my  wife,  and  my  ward,  and  to  his  heirs^ 
the  tract  I  hold  on  Four  Mile  Run,  in  the  vicinity  of  Al- 
exandria, containing  one  thousand  two  hundred  acres,  more 
or  less,  and  my  entire  square,  No.  21,  in  the  city  of  Wash- 
ington. 

Fifth.  All  the  rest  and  residue  of  my  estate,  .real  nnd 
personal,  not  disposed  of  in  manner  aforesaid,  in  whatso- 
ever consistim;,  wheresoever  iying,and  wheresoever  found, 
a  schedule  of  which,  as  far  as  is  recollected,  with  a  reas- 
onable estimate  of  its  value,  is  hereunto  annexed,  I  desire 
may  be  sold  by  my  executors,  at  such  times,  in  such  man- 
ner, and  on  such  credits,  if  an  equal,  valid,  and  satisfacto- 
ry distribution  of  the  specific  property  cannot  be  made 
without,  us  in  their  judgment  shall  be  most  conducive  to 
the  interest  of  the  parties  concerned,  and  the  monies  aris- 
ing- therefrom  to  be  divided  into  l^my  three  equal  p.  its, 
and  applied  as  folLovs.  viz.  To  William  Augustine  II  u.->h- 
in^\.>i..  Ktizabeti  Sfiottwovd*,  Jai  nton,  und  the  hfcir* 

of  .  --hr  ,;^,-..  soa  ai.d  daughu-t  I  deceased  brother 
'  Augu •: .-. •'•'  •:•  Waphington,  I  give  and  bequeath  four  polls, 


APPENDIX.  361 

that  is,  one   part  to  each   of  them  ;    to  Fielding  Lewis, 
George  Lewis,  Robert  Lewis,  Howell  Lewis,  and  Betty  Car- 
ter, sons  and  daughter  of  my  deceased  sister  Betty  Lewis, 
I  give  and  bequeath  five  other  parts,  one  to  each  of  them  ; 
to  George  Stefitoe  Washington,  Lawrence  A.    Washington, 
Harriet   Parks,  and  the  heirs  of  Thornton    Washington, 
sons  and  daughter  of  my  deceased  brother  Samuel  Wash- 
ington, I  give  and  bequeath  the  other  four  parts,  one  part 
to  each  of  them ;  to  Corbin   Washington,  and  the  heirs  of 
Jane  Washington,  son  and  daughter  of  my  deceased  broth- 
er John  A.  W  :shington,  I  give  and  bequeath  two  parts,  one 
part  to  each  of  them  ;  to  Samuel  Washington,  Frances  Ball, 
and  Mildred  Hammond,  son  and  daughters  of  my  brother 
Charles  Washington,  I  give  and  bequeath  three  parts,  oue 
part  to  each  of  them  ;  and  to  Geo.  F.  Washington,  Charles 
Aug.  Washington,  and  Maria.  Washington,  sons  and  daugh- 
ter of  my  deceased  nephew   Geo.  A.    Washington,  I  give 
one  other  part,  that  is,  to  each  a  third  of  that  part ;  to 
Eliz.  Park  Law,  Martha  Park  Peter,  and  Eleanor  Park 
Lewis,   I  give   and  bequeath  three  other  parts,  that  is,  a 
part  to  each  of 'them;  and  to  my  nephews,  Bushrod  Wj$sh- 
ington  and  Law.  Lewis,  and  urmy  ward,  the  grandson  of 
my  wife,  I  give  and  bequeath  one   other  part,  that  is,  a 
third  thereof  to  each  of  them.     And  if  it  should  so  hap- 
pen, that  any  of  the   persons  whose  names  are  here  enu- 
merated, unknown  to  me,  should  now  be  dead,  or  should 
die  before  me,  that  in  either  of  these  cases,  the  heirs  of 
such  deceased  persons  shall,  notwithstanding,  derive  all 
the  benefits  of  the  bequest,  in  the  same  manner  as  if  he  or 
she  was  actually  living  at  the  time.     And  by  way  of  ad- 
vice, I  re<Q,mmend  to  my  executors  not  to  be  precipitate 
in  disposing  of  the  landed  property,  therein  directed  to  be 
sold,  if  from  temporary  causes  the  sale  thereof  should  be 
dull ;  experience  having  fully  evinced,  that  the  price  of 
land,  especially  above  the  falls  of  the  rivers  and  on  the 
western  waters,  has  been  progressively  rising,  and  cannot 
be  long  checked  in  its  increasing  value.     And  I  particu- 
larly recommend  it  to  such  of  the   legatees,  under  this 
clause  of  my  will,  as  can  make  it  convenient,  to  take  each 
a  share  of  my  stock  in  the  Potowmac  company,  in  prefer- 
ence to  the  amount  of  what  it  might  sell  ior ;  being  thor- 
32 


APPENDIX. 

oughly  convinced  myself,  that  no  uses  to  which  the  moir- 
ey  can  be  applied, -will  be  so  productive  as  the  tolls  aris- 
ing from  this  navigation  when  in  full  operation,  and  this 
IVom  the  nature  of  things,  it  must  be  ere  long,  and  more 
esp&ually  if  that  of  the  Shenandoah  is  added  thereto. 

The  family  vault  at  Mount  Vernon  requiring  repairs, 
and  being  improperly  situated  beside,  I  desire  that  a  new 
one  of  brick,  and  upon  a  larger  scale,  may  be  built  at  the 
foot  of  what  is  commonly  called  the  Vineyard  enclosure, 
on  the  ground  which  is  marked  out ;  in  which  my  remains, 
with  those  of  my  deceased  relations,  now  in  the  old  vault, 
and  such  others  of  my  family  as  may  choose  to  be  entomb- 
ed there,  may  be  deposited.  And  it  is  my  express  desire, 
that  my  corpse  may  be  interred  in  a  private  manner,  with- 
out parade  or  funeral  oration.  > 

Lastly.  I  constitute  and  appoint  my  dearly  beloved 
wife,  Martha  Washington^  my  nephews  William  Augustine 
Washington,  Bushrod  Washington,  George  Steptoe  Wash- 
ington, Samuel  Washington,  and  Lawrence  Leivis,  and  my 
ward  George  Washington  Park  Custis,  when  he  shall  have 
arrived  at  the  age  of  twenty  years,  executrix  ar.d  execu- 
tors'of  this  my  WILL  AND  TESTAMENT;  in  the  construc- 
tion of  which,  it  will  readily  be  perceived,  that  no  profes- 
sional character  has  been  consulted,  or  has  had  any  agen- 
cy in  the  draught ;  and,  that  although  it  has  occupied  many 
of  my  leisure  hours  to  digest,  and  to  throw  it  into  its  pres- 
ent form,  it  may,  notwithstanding,  appear  crude  and  incor- 
rect; but  having  endeavoured  to  be  plain  and  explicit  in 
all  the  devises,  even  at  the  expense  of  prolixity,  perhaps 
of  tautology,  I  hope  and  trust,  that  no  disputes  will  arise 
concerning  them  ;  but  if,  contrary  to  expectation,  the  case 
should  be  otherwise  from  the  want  of  legal  expression,  or 
the  usual  technical  terms,  or  because  too  much  or  too  lit- 
tle has  been  said  on  any  of  the  devises  to  be  consonant  with 
law,  my  will  and  direction  expressly  is,  that  all  disputes, 
if  unhappily  any  should  arise,  shall  be  decided  by  three 
impartial  and  intelligent  men,  known  for  their  probity  and 
o-ood  understanding ;  two  to  be  chosen  by  the  disputants, 
each  having  the  choice  of  one,  and  the  third  by  those  two  ; 
which  three  men  thus  chosen  shall,  unfettered  by  law  or 
legal  constructions,  declare  the  sense  of  the  testator's  in- 


APPENDIX.  363 

%          '   ; 

tentions  ;  and  such  decision  is* to  all  intents  and  purpo- 
ses, to  be  as  binding  on  the  parties  as  if  it  had  been  given 
in  the  supreme  court  of  the  United  States. 

In  witness  of  all  and  each  of  the  things  herein  contemned,  I 
have  set  my  hand  and  seal,  this  ninth  daif  of  July,  in  the 
year  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  ninety,*  and  of  the 
independence  of  the  United  States  the  tiventy  fourth. 

GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

*  It  appears  the  testator  omitted  the  wonl  vinf. 

i 


364  APPENDIX. 


* 


SCHEDULE 


Of  property  comprehended  in  the  foregoing  Will,  directed  to  be  sold, 
and  some  of  it  conditionally  is  sold;  with  descriptive  and  explanatory 
notes  thereto. 

IN  VIRGINIA, 

Acres.  Price.  Dollars. 

London  co.  Difficult  Run,  300                     6,6 66a 
London  and  Faquier, 

Ashby's  Bent,  2,481    lOd.  24,810^  , 

Chattin's  Run,  885     8       7,080  j 

Berkley,  S.  fork  of  Bouliskin,  1,600 

Head  of  Evan's  m.  453 

In  Worraley's  line,  183 

2,236  20  44,720c 

Frederick,  bought  from  Mercer,       571  20  ll,420rf 

Hampshire,  on  Potowmac  river, 

above  B.  240   15  3,600<? 

Gloucester,  on  North  river,  400     about        3,600/ 

Nansemond,  near  Suffolk,  one  third 

of  1,119  acres,  373     8  2,984§- 

Great  Dismal  Swamp,  my  dividend 

thereof,  about     20,OOOA 

Ohio  river,  Round  Bottom, 

Little  Kenhawa, 
Sixteen  miles  lower  down, 
Opposite  Big  Bent, 

i Dollars. 

9,744    10  97,440? 

GREAT  KENHAWA. 

Near  the  north  west,  10,180  ^ 

East  side  above,  7,276 

Mouth  of  Cole  river,  2,000 

Opposite  thereto,     2,950  }  3  Q75 

Burning  Spring,          125  $ 

-, 300,OOOX: 


APPENDIX. 


MARYLAND. 

Acres.  Price. 

Charles  county,  600     6d. 

Mont eromery,  ditto,  519    12 

PENNSYLVANIA. 
Great  Meadows,  234     6 

NEW  YORK. 
Mohawk  river,  about     1000     6 

NORTH  WEST  TERRITORY. 
On  Little  Miami,  339 

Ditto,  977 

Ditto,  1,335 


Rough  creek, 
Ditto  adjoining, 


3,251 
KENTUCKY. 

.3000 
2000 


*  5000     2 

LOTS,    VIZ. 

CITY  OF  WASHINGTON. 

Two  near  the  capitol,  square  634,  cost  963  dol- 
lars, and  with  buildings, 

Nos-  5,  12,  13,  and  14,  the  three  last  water  lots  on 
the  Eastern  Branch,  in  square  667,  containing 
together  34,438  square  feet,  at  twelve  cents, 

ALEXANDRIA. 

Corner  of  Pitt  and  Prince  streets,  half  an  acre 
laid  out  into  buildings,  three  or  four  of  which 
are  let  on  ground  rent  at  three  dollars  per 
foot, 

WINCHESTER. 

A  lot  in  the  town,  of  half  an  acre,  and  another  in 
the  commons,  of  about  six  acres,  supposed 

BATH  OR  WARM  SPRINGS. 

Two  well  situated,  and  had  buildings  to  the  a- 
mount  of  1501. 

32.* 


Dollars. 

3,600J 

6,228m 

f 

1, 404n 

6,0000 


16,2  5 1/i 


10,000? 


15,000f 


4,132s 


Dollars. 


4000J 


800t> 


366 


APPENDIX. 


STOCK. 

UNITED  STATES. 


Six  per  cent. 

Ditto  deferred,  1,873? 

Three  per  cent.         2,946  3 


3,746 
2,500 


POTOWMAC  COMPANY. 

Twenty  four  shares,  cost  each  iOOl.  sterling, 

JAMES  RIVER  COMPANY. 

Five  shares,  each  cost  100  dollars, 

BANK  OF  COLUMBIA. 

One  hundred  and  seventy  shares,  cost  §$40  each 

BANK  OF  ALEXANDRIA. 

Beside  twenty  shares  to  the  free  school— 5. 

STOCK    LIVING,  VIZ. 

One  covering  horse,  five  carriage  horses,  four 
riding  ditto,  six  brood  mares,  twenty  working 
horses  and  mares,  two  covering  jacks,  and 
three  young  ones ;  ten  she  asses,  forty  two 
working  mules,  fifteen  younger  ones,  three 
hundred  and  twenty  nine  head  of  horned  cat- 
tle, six  hundred  and  forty  head  of  sheep,  and 
a  large  stock  of  hogs,  the  precise  number  un- 
known. |C7^  My  manager  has  estimated  this 
live  stock  at  7,0001.  but  I  shall  set  it  down,  in 
order  to  make  a  round  sum,  at 


Dollars. 

6,246w 
10,666*- 

500y 

6,800r 
1000 


15,653 


Aggregate  amount,  530,000 
NOTES. 

a.  \  His  tract  for  the  size  of  it,  is  valuable,  more  for  its 
situation  than  the  quality  of  its  soil,  though  that  is  good 
for  farming  ;  with  a  considerable  proportion  of  ground  that 
might  very  easily  be  improved  into  meudow.  It  lies  piv 


APPENDIX.  367 

the  great  road  from  the  city  of  Washington,  Alexandria, 
and  George  Town,  to  Leesburgh  and  Winchester,  at  Dif- 
ficult Bridge,  nineteen  miles  from  Alexandria,  less  from 
the  city  and  George  Town,  and  not  more  than  three  from 
MatildaviUe,  at  the  great  falls  of  Potowmac.  There  is  a 
valuable  seat  on  the  premises,  and  the  whole  is  condition- 
ally sold  for  the  sum  annexed  in  the  schedule. 

b.  What  the  selling  prices  of  lands  in  the  vicinity  of 
these  two  tracts  are,  I  know  not ;  but  compared  with  those 
above  the  ridge,  and  others  below  it,  the  value  annexed 
will  appear  moderate  ;  a  less  one  would  not  obtain  them 
from  me. 

c.  The  surrounding  land  not  superior  in  soil,  situation, 
or  properties  of  any  sort,  sells  currently  at  from  twenty 
to  thirty  dollars  an  acre.     The  lowest  price  is  affixed  to 
these. 

d.  The  observations  made  in  the  last  note,  apply  equal- 
ly to  this  tract,  being  in  the  vicinity  of  them,  and  of  simi- 
lar quality,  although  it  lies  in  another  county. 

e.  This  tract,  though  small,  is  extremely  valuable.     It 
lies  on  Poto\vmac  river>  about  twelve  miles  above  the  town 
of  Bath,  or  Warm  Springs,  and  is  in  the  shape  of  a  horse- 
shoe, the  river  running  almost  around  it.     Two  hundred 
acres  of  it  are  rich  low  grounds,  with  a  great  abundance 
of  the  largest  and  finest  walnut  trees,  which,  with  the  pro- 
duce of  the  soil,  might,  by  means  of  the  improved  naviga- 
tion of  the  Potowmac,  be  brought  to  a  shipping  port  with 
more  ease,  and  at  a  smaller  expense,  than  that  which  is 
transported  thirty  miles  only  by  Icind. 

/.  This  tract  is  of  seconct  rate  Gloucester  low  grounds. 
It  has  no  improvements  thereon,  but  lies  on  navigable  wa- 
ter, abounding  in  fish  awd  oysters.  It  was  received  in  pay- 
ment of  a  debt,  carrying  interest,  and  valued  in  the  year 
1789,  by  an  impartial  gentleman,  at  8001. 

N.  B.  It  has  lately  been  sold,  and  there  is  due  thereon, 
a  balance  equal  to  what  is  annexed  in  the  schedule. 

g.  These  three  hundred  and  seventy  three  acres  are 
the  third  part  of  undivided  pur  ;hases  made  by  the  deceas- 
ed Fielding  Lewis,  Thos.  Walker,  and  myself,  01*  full  con- 
viction that  they  would  become  valuable.  The  land  lies 
on  the  road  from  Suffolk  to  Norfolk,  touches,  if  1  am  not 
mistaken,  some  purt  of  the  navigable  water  of  Nansemond 


368  APPENDIX. 

river.  The  rich  Dismal  Swamp  is  capable  of  great  im- 
provement ;  and,  from  its  situation,  must  become  extreme- 
ly valuable. 

h.  This  is  an  undivided  interest  which  I  held  in  the 
great  Dismal  Swamp  Company,  containing  about  four 
thousand  acres,  with  my  part  of  the  plantation  and  stock 
thereon,  belonging  to  the  company  in  the  said  swamp. 

i.  These  several  tracts  of  land  are  of  the  first  quality  on 
the  Ohio  river,  in  the  parts  where  they  are  situated,  being 
almost,  if  not  altogether,  river  bottoms.  The  smallest  of 
these  tracts  is  actually  sold  at  ten  dollars  an  acre,  but  the 
consideration  therefor  not  received.  The  rest  are  equal- 
ly valuable,  and  will  sell  as  high,  especially  that  which  lies 
just  below  the  Little  Kenhawu  ;  and  is  opposite  to  a  thick 
settlement  on  the  west  side  of  the  river.  The  four  tracts 
have  an  aggregate  breadth  upon  the  river  of  sixteen  miles, 
and  are  bounded  there  by  that  distance 

k.  These  tracts  are  situated  upon  the  great  Kenhawa 
river,  and  the  first  four  are  bounded  thereby  for  more  than 
forty  miles.  It  is  acknowledged  by  all  who  have  seen 
them,  and  of  the  tract  containing  ten  thousand  nine  hun- 
dred and  ninety  acres,  which  I  have  been  on  myself,  I  can 
assert,  that  there  is  no  richer  01  more  valuable  land  in  all 
that  region.  They  are  conditionally  sold  for  the  sum 
mentioned  in  the  schedule,  tr,at  is,  two  hundred  thousand 
dollars,  and  if  the  terms  of  that  sale  are  not  complied  with, 
they  will  command  considerable  more.  The  tract,  of 
which  the  one  hundred  and  twenty  five  acres  is  a  moiety, 
was  taken  up  by  General  Andrew  Lewis  and  myself,  for, 
and  oil  account  of  a  bituminous  spring  which  it  contains, 
of  so  inflammable  a  nature  as  to  burn  as  freely  as  spirits, 
and  is  nearly  as  difficult  to  extinguish. 

/.  I  am  but  little  acquainted  \\ith  this  land,  although  I 
have  once  been  GJ  it.  It  was  received,  many  years  since, 
in  discharge  of  a  debt  clue  to  me  from  Daniel  Jenifer  Ad- 
ams, at  the  value  annexed  thereto,  and  must  be  worth 
more.  It  is  very  level ;  lies  near  the  river  Potowmac. 

m.  This  tract  lies  about  thirty  miles  above  the  city  of 
Washington,  not  far  from  Kitoctan.  It  is  good  farming 
land,  anil  by  those  who  are  well  acquainted  with  it,  I  am 
informed  that  it  would  sell  at  twelve  or  fifteen  dollars  per 
acre. 


APPENDIX. 


369 


n.  This  land  is  valuable  on  account  of  its  local  situation 
and  other  properties.  It  affords  an  exceeding  good  stand 
on  Braddock's  road  from  Fort  Cumberland  to  Pittsburgh  ; 
and,  beside  a  fertile  soil,  possesses  a  large  quantity  of  nat- 
ural meadow,  fit  for  the  sithe.  It  is  distinguished  by  the 
appellation  of  the  Great  Meadows,  where  the  first  action 
with  the  French,  in  the  year  1754,  was  fought. 

o.  This  is  the  moiety  of  about  two  thousand  acres  which 
remains  unsold,  of  six  thousand  seventy  one  acres  on  the 
Mohawk  river,  Montgomery  county,  in  a  patent  granted 
to  Daniel  Coxe,  in  the  township  of  Coxborough  and  Car- 
olina, as  will  appear  by  deed,  from  Marinus  Willet  and 
wife,  to  George  Clinton,  late  governor  of  New  York, and 
myself.  The  latter  sales  have  been  at  six  dollars  an  acre, 
and  what  remains  unsold  will  fetch  that  or  more. 

p.  The  quality  of  these  lands  and  their  situation,  may  be 
known  by  the  surveyor's  certificates,  which  are  filed  along 
with  the  patents.  They  lie  in  the  vicinity  of  Cincinnati ; 
one  tract  near  the  mouth  of  the  Little  Miami ;  another 
seven,  and  the  third  ten  miles  up  the  same.  I  have  been 
informed  that  they  will  readily  command  more  than  they 
are  estimated  at. 

q.  For  the  description  of  those  tracts  in  detail,  see  Gen. 
Spotswood's  letters,  filed  with  the  other  papers  relating  to 
them.  Beside  the  general  good  quality  of  the  land,  there 
is  a  valuable  bank  of  iron  ore  thereon,  which,  when  the 
settlement  becomes  more  populous,  and  settlers  are  mov- 
ing that  way  very  fast,  will  be  found  very  valuable,  as  the 
Rough  creek,  a  branch  of  Green  river,  affords  ample  wa- 
ter for  furnaces  and  forges. 

LOTS,  viz. 
CITY  OF  WASHINGTON. 

r.  The  two  lots  near  the  capitol,  in  square  634,  cost  me 
nine  hundred  and  sixty  three  dollars  only ;  but  in  this 
price  1  was  favoured,  on  condition  that  I  should  build  two 
brick  houses  three  stories  high  each  ;  without  this  reduc- 
tion the  selling  prices  of  these  lots  would  have  cost  me 
about  one  thousand  three  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  These 
lots,  with  the  buildings  on  them,  when  completed  will 
stand  me  in  fifteen  thousand  dollars  at  least. 


370  APPENDIX. 

s.  Lots  Nos-  5,  12,  13,  and  14,  on  the  Eastern  Branch,, 
are  advantageously  situated  on  the  water ;  and  although 
many  lots  much  less  convenient  have  sold  a  great  deal 
higher,  I  will  rate  these  at  twelve  cents  the  square  foot 
only. 

ALEXANDRIA. 

t.  For  this  lot,  though  unimproved,  I  have  refused  three 
thousand  five  hundred  dollars.  It  has  since  been  laid  off* 
into  proper  sized  lots  for  building  on,  three  or  four  of 
which  are  let  on  ground  rent  for  ever,  at  three  dollars  a 
foot  on  the  street ;  and  this  price  is  asked  for  both  fronts 
on  Pitt  and  Prince  streets. 

WINCHESTER, 

u.  As  neither  the  lot  in  the  town  or  common  have  any 
improvements  on  them,  it  is  not  easy  to  fix  a  price  ;  but 
as  both, are  well  situated,  it  is  presumed  the  price  annex- 
ed to  them  in  the  schedule  is  a  reasonable  valuation. 

BATH. 

"v.  The  lots  in  Bath,  two  adjoining,  cost  me  to  the  best 
of  my  recollection  between  fifty  and  sixty  pounds,  twen- 
ty years  ago ;  and  the  buildings  thereon  1501.  more. 
Whether  property  there  has  increased  or  decreased  in  its 
value,  and  in  what  condition  the  houses  are,  I  am  igno- 
rant ;  but  suppose  they  are  not  valued  too  high. 

STOCK. 

w.  These  are  the  sums  which  are  actually  funded,  and 
though  no  more  in  the  aggregate  than  seven  thousand 
five  hundred  and  sixty  six  dollars,  stand  me  in  at  least  ten 
thousand  pounds,  Virginia  money  ;  being  the  amount  of 
bonded  and  other  debts  due  tome,  and  discharged  during 
the  war,  when  money  had  depreciated  in  that  rate  ;  lO^and 
was  so  settled  by  public  authority. 

x.  The  value  annexed  to  these  shares  is  what  they  ac- 
tually cost  me,  and  is  the  price  affixed  by  law  ;  and  al- 
though the  present  selling  price  is  under  par,  my  advice 


APPENDIX.  371 

to  the  legatees,  for  whose  benefit  they  are  intended,  espe- 
cially those  who  can  afford  to  lie  out  of  the  money,  is,  that 
each  should  take  and  hold  one  ;  there  being  a  moral  cer- 
tainty of  a  great  and  increasing  profit  arising  from  them 
in  the  course  of  a  few  years. 

y.  It  is  supposed  that  the  shares  in  the  James  River 
Company  must  also  be  productive  ;  but  of  this  I  can  give 
no  decided  opinion,  for  want  of  more  accurate  informa- 
tion. 

z.  These  are  the  nominal  prices  of  the  shares  in  the 
banks  of  Alexandria  and  Columbia ;  the  selling  prices 
vary  according  to  circumstances  ;  but  as  the  stock  usual- 
ly divides  from  eight  to  ten  per  cent,  per  annum,  they 
must  be  worth  the  former,  at  least,  so  long  as  the  banks 
are  conceived  to  be  secure,  although  circumstances  may 
sometimes  make  them  below  it. 

The  value  of  the  live  stock  depends  more  upon  the 
quality  than  quantity  of  the  different  species  of  it;  and 
this  again  upon  the  demand  and  judgment,  or  fancy  of 
purchasers. 

GEORGE  -WASHINGTON. 

Mount  Vernon,  July  9,  1799. 


FINIS. 


S.  Etlieridge,jr.  Printer. 


«,    \ 


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